Crafts Council Learning Young Craft Citizens

Covid-19's impact on craft graduates

Find out how the pandemic has affected creatives aged 15-30 years old

Clay workshop participant, 2017. Photo: Iona Wolff

With exams withdrawn, universities closed and degree shows cancelled, young people and students have faced a huge amount of disruption and uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over an online survey, we asked creatives between the ages of 15 and 30 to share how they have personally been affected. The survey has received over 50 responses and counting. Here are some of the insights we've gained so far.

Responses

GCSE and A Level students are at home with limited access to materials and in many cases a lack of space for messy creative work. Respondents raised concerns about lost teaching, how predicted grades will be calculated and the process of applying to college and university courses.

University students expressed anxiety and frustration about having to complete their courses without access to materials, facilities, libraries or creative workspaces. Some mentioned that they had not yet been given information about how they would be graded.

The cancellation of degree shows was a key concern, with respondents flagging the loss of associated networking and career development opportunities

Young people at the start of their careers have faced the loss of work placements, residencies and professional development opportunities

Respondents flagged a range of financial challenges: loss of part-time jobs; zero-hours contact work impacted; freelance contracts cancelled and self-employed makers unable to sell work. These were combined with concerns about continued rental payments for university accommodation that had been closed and securing enough income to meet basic needs.

Wellbeing is a key issue, with 76% of respondents reporting that if the situation continued for up to six months it would have a negative impact on their mental health. Young Minds have published some advice for young people on managing mental health during the crisis.

Find out more

We’re working on a programme of support for young people and students in response to the survey's findings. Follow @craftsyouth on Twitter to stay up to date.