Brixton Finishing School – the institution set up to realise the potential of underrepresented talent across the marketing, advertising and creative industries – is tackling the dismantling of DEI initiatives by launching a fundraising campaign to secure accessible pathways into the industry.
The silent auction fundraising campaign, which will also involve sister charity The Finishing School Foundation, will directly support prospective and current students who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), covering their living costs while they take part in the school’s free eight-week Summer School.
The 51 students have already had workplace experience, including at The Trade Desk, Bauer, TMW, G=Mc2, Anomaly, Uncommon Creative, DDB Remedy, Mother London and Born Social, with more to follow, including Channel 4, Mail Metro Media, JC Decaux, and BBC Studios to name a few.
As equity-led programmes face growing cutbacks, the school is urging the industry to loudly stand with the next generation, by shouting about it or by bidding quietly in solidarity.
Brixton Finishing School aims to builds free, life-changing programmes that bridge the gap between untapped talent and the creative, advertising and tech industries.
It delivers immersive, real-world training to young people, with high potential, from underrepresented communities – often those excluded from traditional pathways – and connects them directly with leading employers.
The school’s mission is to break down the systemic barriers that prevent diverse voices from thriving in creative careers, and to equip the next generation with the skills, confidence and networks they need to succeed.
Founder Ally Owen said: “The industry continues to struggle to onboard socially mobile talent with fresh ideas and different viewpoints. Without accessible pathways, we risk returning to a less diverse, more homogeneous workforce – and losing the progress made over the last decade. That’s why this moment matters as the impact of defunding DEI is undermining the next generation’s future potential.
“At the same time, the need for financial support among our talent has only grown. It’s no longer enough to provide a free opportunity to build a career as the hours you are upskilling are hours you aren’t earning. The short term need for money ‘to make it through this week’ is damaging the talents’ chances to build better futures and enrich our industry.
“It makes for a worrying picture – one that demands urgent, collective action.
The silent auction is now live, giving industry allies the chance to bid on a standout collection of experiences, bundles and prizes, all while helping the next generation of talent break into the creative industry. Bidding closes on Monday August 18.
Prizes span both raffle and silent auction items, making the initiative accessible to everyone. In the spirit of Brixton Finishing School’s mission to champion equity, some prizes are open to all, no matter your budget and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the students who are upskilling.
All “prizes” have been donated by supporters across the industry, including a Cannes Lions cMBA (mini MBA) from Cannes Lions, Ray-Ban Meta sunglasses from Genna Osler at Meta, a Fortnum & Mason hamper from DoubleVerify, a luxury Norfolk countryside stay from The Barber Shop, a prestige beauty bundle from Coty Brands, a bundle of gold handbags from The Kurt Geiger Kindness Foundation, and an hour of feral strategy with Richard Huntington – plus a helicopter ride, National Theatre tickets, and much more.
Owen concluded: “Now is the time to unite, stay loud, and keep the door open for diverse talent – not shut it.”
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