Verso Books and Arts Emergency partner on new work experience programme!
Arts Emergency is a charity that works within non-selective Further Education and above, with students (aged 16-24 years old) of high social and economic disadvantage from diverse backgrounds. Aiming to create opportunity and provide practical support in accessing the arts, humanities and social sciences, Arts Emergency connects students with mentors with relevant academic or professional experience.
Verso's work experience programme, starting this May, responds to Arts Emergency’s remit to provide their students with tangible opportunities in the creative industries, first-hand information, advice and guidance. It is intended to act as an introduction to book publishing: students will gain observational and practical experience across departments, as well as being given the opportunity for one-to-one training and to ask for advice from Verso’s staff, authors and friends in the industry.
The radical publishing house, shortlisted for Independent Publisher of the Year by the Bookseller Industry Awards, says:
“In support of Arts Emergency's work to diversify access to the arts, humanities and the social sciences, we aim to help students clarify their own career goals regarding book publishing, gain insight into how they might enter the industry and the challenges they might face, explore their options and increase their skills and knowledge. We will also seek to advise students on job applications and the interview process, act as referees—and, where possible, make recommendations to our numerous contacts within the industry.”
“The humanities are founded on the conviction that everyone can be educated and that culture is for everyone. Teaching students to read poetry or philosophy or understand a painting or a film aren't elite pursuits even if £9k fees suggest so…”Arts Emergency Founder Neil Griffiths