Rachel Moss is a Freelance Arts Educator and Evaluator who has been working in museums and galleries for over 25 years. Her current work supports under-represented young people on their progression routes into working in the museum and arts sectors by setting up traineeships, evaluating careers programmes, and mentoring young people.

Georgie Harris is the Events and Projects Coordinator at The Fragrance Foundation UK. For just over 2 years, Georgie has worked on the educational and events programmes at the foundation to enhance the opportunities available to its members within the fragrance industry. Georgie has assisted in developing the new Next Generation Programme, along with supporting the running of The Fragrance Foundation UK Awards and Jasmine Awards.

Art is my Career is a brand and design agency with a difference. We invest profits to create free education resources, working to fill the arts education funding cuts and encouraging more young people to explore the creative career opportunities available.

Sarah is the Apprenticeships & Work Experience Manager for the Royal Ballet and Opera heading up a growing programme; RBO which currently employ 25 apprentices and offers work experience and interns as well as Theatre Careers information. Previous to working at RBO Sarah trained as a theatre designer before becoming an FE teacher in Essex where she became passionate about opening up opportunities to young people in exciting careers that they might not know about. 

Hannah joined the Masterclass team in 2023 as the Programme and Marketing Administrator. With a strong background in theatre administration, she brings extensive experience in event programming, marketing, social media, box office operations, front of house and theatre management, having previously served as Theatre Manager at Kilworth House Theatre. In addition to her role at Masterclass, Hannah is the Marketing Manager for TheatreCraft, where she plays a key role in promoting and supporting one of the industry’s leading career events for young theatre-makers. Hannah is also a qualified Dance Science Practitioner, holding degrees from Middlesex University (2020) and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance (2021). She serves on the Advisory Board for StageBase Productions, where she contributes her insight and expertise to drive innovation and growth in the arts.

Simon is Head of National Theatre Skills Centre, the Skills Centre offers resources, training, and professional development for careers in theatre and the creative industries, with opportunities available nationwide for young people, those at entry-level through to mid-career. Simon was previously Participation Producer at the Almeida Theatre and prior to this worked at the BRIT School for Performing and Creative Arts including eight years as Director of the Theatre Department.

Kiran is a dedicated advocate for diversity, inclusion, and social equity, with a focus on expanding access to the creative industries. At Manchester International Festival/Factory International, Kiran has worked as a key figure in the development of Factory Academy, the organisation’s in-house skills and training department. Factory Academy provides free, accessible creative industries training for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds across Greater Manchester. Kiran's work has directly contributed to the graduation of over 1,000 participants in the past four years, earning Factory Academy recognition as the ‘Training Initiative of the Year’ at the 2024 British Training Awards.

Alex is the Director of Get Into Theatre. She believes that entering the theatre industry should be about what you know, not who you know. She is passionate about helping young people across the UK access all of the information they need to help them on their career journey.

Toby is Global Head of Recruiting at Christie's, the world’s largest Art Business. He oversees all hiring activity at the firm, including all early careers programmes.

Nathan Tuft is the Senior Youth Work Manager at the Roundhouse in Camden. Based in a iconic music venue, Roundhouse offers creative programmes and independent studios for young people aged 11-25 and Nathan heads up a team of youth work professionals who support and engage with young people.

Natalya was born and raised in London and studied History at the University of Roehampton. Natalya started her career at the National Opera Studio as the Studio Coordinator. She volunteered at Somerset House Trust for three years before taking up the full-time position as their Inclusive Talent Programmes Manager; she was also a Co-Chair of the Anti-Racism Taskforce. Natalya joined the Natural History Museum in August 2023 as the Community & Youth Engagement Manager and is currently a Creative Producer in the same team, with the additional role of setting the principles, aims, outcomes, and programme for the team’s new youth strand, due to pilot later in 2025. Outside of work, Natalya is a Trustee for Pegasus Opera Company, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a mentee on the Museums Association’s Mentoring For All programme.

At Creative Portal, we believe in the transformative power of creativity to inspire, connect, and empower. Founded by Mike Cobb-Pernak, a lifelong advocate of the arts with over 47 years of experience in arts education, Creative Portal is a unique online platform dedicated to nurturing talent, fostering inclusivity, and bridging the gap between emerging creatives and industry professionals. We’re calling on individuals, communities, businesses, and cultural organizations to join us as partners, sponsors, donors, or volunteers in this journey to shape the future of creativity.

ERIC team interview and Q&A.