The Stage

GLA chief Mirza warns training schemes must strengthen the arts sector

Published Tuesday 17 March 2009 at 13:40 by Lalayn Baluch

Greater London Authority arts chief Munira Mirza has urged the cultural industries to ensure that training initiatives are not used only as a form of “social engineering” but are also implemented to strengthen the arts sector.

She said training schemes need to be taken seriously and any new qualifications should only be introduced by the government if fully supported by arts employers.

Mirza’s comments were made earlier this week at the London Creative Skills and Training Event, presented by Arts Council England, London and the Learning Skills Council to update organisations on the latest training initiatives - such as LSC’s Train to Gain scheme, apprenticeships, the new creative and media diploma and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills.

Addressing delegates, the GLA director of arts, culture and creative industries policy said: “I think too often training and skills, particularly in the arts and creative sectors, are seen as a form of social engineering, of addressing social problems - perhaps helping young people who don’t have qualifications.

“It can do those things and that is very important, but I do think it is important to take training in the arts seriously for the arts itself. We have all seen how government can announce new qualifications, which are not then valued by employers, and can be seen as less worthy than others. I think we need to understand for the industry and from employers what their feelings are about these kinds of training schemes and qualifications.”

Mirza believes that formal training initiatives are a good route of entry into the arts for people from diverse backgrounds - such as those who cannot afford to undertake internships.

She said: “The arts sector is a form of pleasure and enjoyment for a lot of people, but at the same time it is an industry and it needs to act like other industries and invest in the skills and training that are needed to be at the cutting edge. The arts needs to take training seriously.

“It is important to have formal training in terms of making sure that people can enter the sector - that old approach of knowing the right person or being in the right place at the right time does mean that some very genuinely talented people might struggle to make themselves known and prove themselves.”