The report outlines why the sector needs to sharpen its focus on socio-economic diversity; what to prioritise in order to tackle class-based disadvantage across the life-course; and how – through significant, systemic and sustained action – Government, industry and educators can work together to seize this moment, as we emerge from an unprecedented crisis, to address long-standing inequalities in the sector.

O’Brien summarises social mobility as a concept and argues why it remains a contested idea for the Arts in the UK. Thinking about social mobility’ supports the development of the next edition of the Weston Jerwood Creative Bursaries programme. It has been used to strengthen the assumptions underlying the programme and refocus its core activity for 2020-2022.