4. Culture and human capital

Cambridge boasts some of the greatest inequality in the country in terms of social mobility and the overall life chances of disadvantaged children and young people growing up here. Studies show that access to arts and culture can make a radical difference in improving academic attainment, mental health, transferable life and work skills, as well as levelling the playing field for disadvantaged students. But, children from disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to participate in arts and culture, partly due to the associated costs, and partly due to lack of exposure and engagement to drive their interest. 

In this episode we talk to Michelle Lord, Senior Arts Development Officer at Cambridge City Council, about how access to arts and culture can be instrumental in support young people in achieving their full potential, and also to Robert Porrer, school governor and Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts, who is leading a local RSA group looking at inequality in education and the transition to employment. We also hear from Ryan Kelsall, Deputy CEO of the Eastern Learning Alliance, and from Sam Fox, Principal of North Cambridge Academy.

This podcast series, Cambridge – in pursuit of equality, is brought to you by Conscious Communications. Find out more at Cambridge2030.org.

If you want to contribute to a future series, get in touch with Alison Taylor at [e-mail]