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OPINION: "IN TODAY'S CREATIVE INDUSTRY, NOT LIVING IN LONDON MAKES IT LESS LIKELY TO FIND SUCCESS".

  • Writer: Anthony LaPierre
    Anthony LaPierre
  • 5 days ago
  • 2 min read
OPINION: "IN TODAY'S CREATIVE INDUSTRY, NOT LIVING IN LONDON MAKES IT LESS LIKELY TO FIND SUCCESS".
Pictured: A black and white photo of Parliament and "Big-Ben" located in Westminster, London. Photographer: lunamarina - stock.adobe.com

A recent study by Prime Casino ranked Manchester and Liverpool as the UK’s top two ‘Most Talented Cities’, each scoring an impressive 9.5 out of 10.


So if this is the case, why is it that Northern creatives are still struggling to find meaningful opportunities on their own turf?


Despite being home to world-class talent across music, art, theatre, fashion, and design, Northern cities continue to be overshadowed by the gravitational pull of London. The capital remains firmly positioned as "the place" to be for anyone hoping to carve out a serious career in the arts.


In 2024, a report by The Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre revealed that 46% of all creative industry jobs are based in London and the South East, with 29% in London alone. These numbers make it clear that for thousands of Northern creatives, moving South isn't a choice, but now a necessity.


You might ask, “But isn’t there still support for young talent in the North?” Sadly, the reality is far from ideal.


The high level of elite arts institutions (UAL, Italia Conti, RADA, The Royal Ballet School, The BRIT School) in the South only reinforces the idea that success lies in London. Aspiring artists aren’t just shelling out thousands for their education just to gain access to connections and opportunities that remain out of reach up North, but they’re also absorbing the cost of relocating to one of the most expensive cities in the world.


"Aspiring artists aren’t just shelling out thousands for their education just to gain access to connections and opportunities that remain out of reach up North, but they’re also absorbing the cost of relocating to one of the most expensive cities in the world."


And yes, we’ve seen Northern talents like Jodie Comer or Sam Fender achieve national acclaim, but what decision is making a pivotal role in elevating their careers?


While cities like Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle continue to produce creative excellence, many of these artists had to head South to be seen, supported, and signed.


In some cases, Northern creatives even feel pressure to distance themselves from their roots in order to ‘fit’ the London-dominated industry landscape. The idea that true success must come with a London postcode is outdated and damaging.


But once again the question still stands, why should Northern talent have to leave home just to be heard? Why limit creative opportunities to the South, instead of branching out to the North?


It’s time for the industry to wake up to the fact that the North is brimming with raw, untapped talent. Producers, casting agents, commissioners, hiring teams, the door needs to open wider. Opportunities shouldn’t be tied to geography, to ability, voice, and vision.


At LaPierre Creative, we’re committed to changing that. We want to raise Northern voices. Our goal is to uplift artist platforms, create those crucial networks, and bring opportunities to the doorsteps of local talent. You should not have to leave home to make it big. The talent in the North has been here all along, now it’s time to bring the opportunities too.


Everyone is a creative.

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