LOCAL residents from low income backgrounds have been invited to apply for a job with the Bradford Literature Festival.

The festival will take part in the Weston Jerwood Creative Bursaries scheme which opens up entry level work opportunities for graduates who received a full grant throughout university and would struggle to do the unpaid work that acts as a gateway into the sector for most of young people working in the arts. The festival will get funding to host a 12-month graduate placement.

It will include an international festival visit, mentoring scheme and career workshops designed to help the chosen graduate develop long-lasting careers in the creative industries.

Festival Director Syima Aslam said “As the most diverse literature festival in the UK, BLF leads the way in promoting engagement across all socio-economic, ethnic, age and ability backgrounds. Working with the Weston Jerwood Creative Bursaries Programme is another fantastic way in which we can encourage this diversity, giving talented graduates the support they need to begin a career within this industry. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for us to add to the festival team and bring someone on board who can really relate to the difficulties faced by students and young people from low-income backgrounds, an issue that is especially pertinent in the Bradford district.”

Kate Danielson, Programme Director said: “Diversity is absolutely fundamental to the continued success of UK art and culture – whether it is diversity of artists, audiences or those working for arts organisations. The Weston Jerwood Creative Bursaries is about breaking down barriers to support this, levelling the playing field for young people from lower income backgrounds and making sure arts organisations can benefit from the skills and experience of all young talent.”

The festival is accepting applications until Monday. For more information, visit bradfordlitfest.co.uk/opportunities/