Creative capital

We develop talent as well as properties

The real key to London's success as a global city is the people who live and work here – especially the younger generation who give the city its creative edge and will one day become its leaders. We use our resources to encourage emerging talent and create opportunities that would otherwise not exist.

Recent research has suggested there will be a shortage of planning graduates emerging from universities from 2012 onwards. This is an issue close to our hearts and we want to help turn things around. We are working in partnership with University College London to fund four MA students studying a variety of planning disciplines. Each student receives a £5,000 bursary towards their studies. Even more importantly, they are offered a month's work experience at the end of their course, either directly with us, or with one of our partners in local government. The placements involve real projects and responsibility, as well as longer-term career opportunities. The scheme launched in September 2009 and we're looking forward to building strong relationships with the planning talent of the future.

We're also keen to support creative thinkers in different areas to our own. The Land Securities Studio Awards are an innovative partnership aimed at fostering the next generation of artistic talent in London. The idea is to pick the best three students from the end-of-year shows at the Royal College of Art, the Slade School of Fine Art and the Royal Academy, and offer them free studio space for a year in the heart of London, as well as a £5,000 bursary. It creates a vital stepping stone at what can be a make-or-break time in artistic careers.

What's particularly satisfying for us is that we are not only offering financial support, but also putting our properties to good use. As well as enjoying free studio space on Oxford Street, the chosen artists get to showcase the results of their work at a special exhibition at the SW1 Gallery, part of our development at Cardinal Place.

The same principle inspired our involvement in London Fashion Week. In 2009, we opened the doors of Arundel Great Court just off The Strand as a secondary venue for the week, supporting the main venue at nearby Somerset House. The modern setting provided the perfect backdrop to the designers' installations and showrooms, which included the brightest talent from the UK's independent fashion industry.

We're also working with the Young Vic to train the theatre stars of the future. We've been a long-standing sponsor of the theatre itself, because we like its risk-taking approach and willingness to encourage young talent. We're now funding an apprenticeship scheme offering local young people the chance to learn a wide range of backstage skills over the course of a month's placement – with good chances of longer-term work for those who do well.

The common denominator throughout is our commitment to nurturing potential leaders in their respective fields. One of the most exciting things about working in London is being surrounded by a constant buzz of creativity and new ideas. We want to help keep it that way.

"What could be more important to a young artist – indeed, any artist – than the space and freedom to work as you wish? I'm sure each of the artists will look back on this year, and this exhibition, as a pivotal moment in their early careers." Sir Peter Blake