skip to main content

Professional Development Opportunities in Yorkshire with PiPA

Parents in Performing Arts (PiPA) is offering a series of professional development placements and opportunities at renowned performing arts organisations for marginalised parents or carers based in Yorkshire.

Published: 25 April 2022 | 5:51 PM
Close up of a corner of Sheffield City Hall, a big white stone building.
Each placement or opportunity will take into consideration the successful applicant’s career goals, access needs and circumstances. Photo credit: Shutterstock

These opportunities are exclusively open to Yorkshire-based parents or carers in the performing arts who are freelancers, on short contracts or not currently in work, and who are further marginalised due to their ethnicity, cultural heritage or disability.

Each placement or opportunity will take into consideration the successful applicant’s career goals, access needs and circumstances. A participation fee of up to £744.40 is available, and the opportunities will take place between April and July 2022.

The Professional Development Placements will be hosted at PiPA Partner organisations across Yorkshire. There are 14 organisations participating, including:

  • Balbir Singh Dance Company
  • Migration Matters Festival
  • Utopia Theatre
  • Tutti-Frutti Productions

(see the Application Pack on PiPA’s website for the full list of participating organisations).

The placements cover a variety of disciplines, including marketing, project management, touring management, producing and directing.

There are specific professional development placements you can apply for, or you can apply to be part of the project more generally. If you choose the second option, you would be matched up with appropriate participating organisations or opportunities once enrolled in the project.

Please note that due to funding requirements, to participate in this project you must be a parent or carer AND belong to a group which is under-represented due to ethnicity, cultural heritage or disability.

Deadline to Apply: Tuesday 3rd May, 10:00 am.

For more information and to submit your application, visit PiPA’s website.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Close up of person holding a pen and paper over a keyboard.

Have Your Say on Streaming: DCMS Launches Survey for Songwriters

If you have attended a songwriting session for a major label since September 2025, the DCMS wants to hear from you. Your feedback will help evaluate measures introduced following the UK streaming inquiry and strengthen the case for fair pay for music creators.

Published: 15 October 2026

Read more about Have Your Say on Streaming: DCMS Launches Survey for Songwriters
Person sat in front of an open laptop wearing headphones and programming music.

MU to Host Sustainable Careers Roundtable at Sensoria Pro in Sheffield

The MU are hosting a roundtable discussion, ‘The Long Play: Building a Sustainable Career in Music’, at Sensoria Pro — a conference exploring innovation across music and the moving image — in Sheffield on Friday 23 October. Members can also receive a 25% discount on tickets.

Published: 15 October 2026

Read more about MU to Host Sustainable Careers Roundtable at Sensoria Pro in Sheffield
Six women on stage in front of an audience. Behind them is a screen saying

‘Measuring Minutes’: Taking Stock of Representation in Global Orchestral Programming with Donne Women in Music

Donne Women in Music’s latest report reveals how underrepresented composers receive a smaller share of orchestral programme time than their share of programmed works, highlighting persistent inequalities in global repertoire.

Published: 14 October 2026

Read more about ‘Measuring Minutes’: Taking Stock of Representation in Global Orchestral Programming with Donne Women in Music
Poppy and her band at the poolside performing live. People are in the water, in rings and inflatables watching. Banners and balloons are behind the band.

Making Waves: Creating Your Own Opportunities as an Independent Musician

After turning a love of swimming into a fully funded EP, music video and poolside live show, young musician and Wales & South West England Regional Committee member Poppy Rose reflects on the value of backing yourself, embracing niche ideas and making opportunities happen on your own terms.

Published: 14 October 2026

Read more about Making Waves: Creating Your Own Opportunities as an Independent Musician