Up to 10,000 new jobs for young people in the cultural sector are to be created in a new joint initiative between the DCMS and the Department of Work and Pensions.

Part of the £1.1 billion Future Jobs Fund announced in the recent Budget, the scheme will allow local authorities and arts organisations to bid for funding to create new, innovative jobs.

Already UK Music, set up six months ago as a new umbrella organisation for all those involved in the music industry, has developed a programme with Jobcentre Plus to offer 200 jobs to young unemployed people in this summer’s music festivals.

Launching Lifting People, Lifting Places, culture secretary Andy Burnham said: “International recognition and awards for British talent and content show what we’re really good at. But getting in to these sectors can be hard, especially for young people and those coming from disadvantaged groups and deprived communities. The Budget announcement of a £1 billion jobs fund provides a real chance to help put this right.”