Tuesday 22 September 2026
The report explores the current state of arts opportunities for young people across England and the systemic barriers that prevent too many from developing their creative talents.
Drawing on more than 100 evidence submissions, expert testimony, research and direct engagement with young people, Levelling the Pitch highlights a fundamental issue facing the sector: young people’s creativity is everywhere, but the opportunities to develop it are not.
Access to high-quality arts opportunities remains deeply unequal, with a young person’s ability to participate too often determined by where they live, the provision available through their school, their socio-economic background or simply the opportunities available locally.
Jenny Mollica, Chief Executive of the Roundhouse, said:
“Young people’s creativity is everywhere. Opportunities to develop it are not.
“Today, I’m proud to share that the Young Creatives Commission- led by the Centre for Young Lives in partnership with the Roundhouse has published its interim report, Levelling the Pitch.
“A huge thank you to our co-chairs, Marcus Davey and Anne Longfield, all of our brilliant commissioners, and the team at the Centre for Young Lives for their incredible work and dedication in bringing this report together.
“Building on the Roundhouse’s history of empowering thousands of 11-to-30-year-olds, this report reinforces why we must make sure every young person has access to opportunities, spaces and support to be creative and explore their artistic potential, regardless of their background or where they live.”
Key findings from Levelling the Pitch are as follows:
Giving the arts a “sporting chance”
The report argues that creative pathways should be as clear, structured and accessible as those available through youth sports- from school and grassroots participation through to progression and talent development.
In the arts, these routes are too often fragmented, difficult to navigate or absent altogether.
Addressing short-term funding
The report highlights the fragility of youth arts provision and the impact of short-term funding.
While the loss of youth sports provision because of short-term funding cuts would be widely challenged, youth arts programmes regularly face similar uncertainty. The Commission argues that long-term, sustained investment is essential to creating consistent opportunities for young people.
Building on established models
The report highlights the importance of established youth arts organisations and models that demonstrate what sustained investment in young people can achieve.
The Roundhouse’s track record of empowering thousands of 11-to-30-year-olds through creative programmes provides a clear example of how combining arts and youth work can help young people develop their skills, confidence and creative potential.
Matching national ambition
The Government’s National Youth Strategy calls for increased participation by young people through enrichment opportunities.
The Commission is calling for the same level of ambition for arts and creativity, including sustained investment, strong local provision, visible opportunities and clear routes for talent development.
About the Young Creatives Commission
The Young Creatives Commission brings together voices from across arts, culture, sport and industry to examine the role of creativity in young people’s lives and develop recommendations for policymakers, funders and the creative sector.
The Commission’s work will continue throughout 2026, with further recommendations to follow as it develops a national strategy to expand access to the arts and strengthen creative pathways for young people.
Read the full report
Levelling the Pitch sets out why access to creativity must be a consistent part of young people’s lives – not something determined by postcode, background or chance.
Read and download the full Levelling the Pitch interim report.