Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) has officially launched its Access 500 programme, a vital civic initiative designed to dismantle barriers to creative education and champion diverse talent across the region.
Rooted in the University's newly unveiled Strategy 2030+, Access 500 is an initiative that commits to providing 500 free learning opportunities over the next five years to underrepresented potential learners or those with NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) status.
The groundbreaking initiative represents a profound commitment to inclusive growth, community development and social mobility as reflected in AUB’s guiding principle of 'Opportunity for All', which recognises that creative talent, imagination and ambition exist within every community.
Established to ensure that individuals from all walks of life can access high-quality creative learning and cultural engagement, Access 500 will expand AUB’s civic reach by proactively collaborating with local schools, colleges, and regional community groups.
By implementing flexible modes of learning, tailored outreach, and enhanced support networks, Access 500 will empower hundreds of aspiring creatives who may have previously faced systemic or financial obstacles to higher education.
“Our aspirational aim transcends traditional widening participation; it’s about cultivating a true sense of belonging and empowerment," comments Lisa Mann, Vice-Chancellor and CEO at AUB.
"As the global creative landscape demands more diverse perspectives, AUB is stepping up. Every unique voice strengthens our collective future, and the Access 500 programme ensures that background or circumstance will not stand in the way of creative opportunity.”
The Access 500 initiative is closely integrated with the newly expanded AUB Academy, which focuses on diverse learning provisions, stackable modules, and micro-credentials for learners of all ages.
Through this programme, AUB reinforces its status as the region’s premier creative anchor institution, actively shaping a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient cultural economy for generations to come.
