Why we do it

Festivals and live events are often celebrated as inclusive spaces - places that champion difference, bring people together, and inspire social change. Yet access to creating, contributing, and working in these spaces is far from equal. Jobs and career progression still rely on informal networks, personal connections, and unpaid entry routes - excluding many from Big Team’s target demographics.

Our vision is simple: an inclusive festival industry where everyone has an equal chance to create, contribute, and participate.

Big Team is driven by the goal of empowering and supporting those who face personal and systemic barriers to personal development, connections, and paid work opportunities. By increasing representation and inclusion, we aim to shape an industry (and a society) where diverse perspectives are seen, valued, and have the space to thrive.

Here are some key reasons why this work is essential:

Only 16% of the UK’s creative workforce comes from lower socio-economic backgrounds

Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC) (2024)

90% of the arts workforce is white

Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC) 2024

Those from the Global Majority hold under 10% of creative leadership roles

Creative UK (2024)

82% of creatives from lower socio-economic backgrounds report financial barriers stopping them from even applying for roles

Creative Access (2022)

Credit: Maria Rovira

“For me, they took someone with no real connection to the music industry and gave that person space to learn, explore, and understand the industry.

Through events like Elevate Us, workshops, and the opportunities they create, they help turn what feels like a distant dream into something that actually seems possible.”

Hulton, Next Level 2025