Mentorship, Role Models & Representation in the Arts, Featuring Helena Pipe

In today’s blog, we explore the importance of representation, role models, and mentorship in the arts—vital elements in shaping the next generation of creative talent. For our Creative Spotlight, we feature British-born, Bermuda-raised actress Helena Pipe, who is making her mark and giving back to aspiring actors.

What is Representation?

Representation simply means seeing people from different backgrounds, cultures, and identities in media, arts and other cultural platforms. It’s about making sure everyone’s stories and experiences are shared and reflected.

Representation and mentorship in the uk arts scene

Despite incremental progress over the years, representation in the UK arts scene could still do with some work. Just last year, research released by social mobility charity, The Sutton Trust , showed that the creative industries are still disproportionately dominated by individuals from upper-middle-class backgrounds and those who attended private schools.  Not only this, but a recent report from the British Film Institute (BFI) revealed disparities in the representation of ethnic minorities on screen, particularly women—with only 4.11% of female Lead roles being played by ethnically diverse actors last year.

Why Representation and Mentorship Matters

Representation is about more than just seeing people who look like you on stage or in films—on a deeper level, it can help validate a person’s experiences, culture, and ultimately identity. For people from ethnic minority backgrounds, seeing diverse representation in creative fields can be an empowering experience. Mentorship can also supplement this by opening doors that might otherwise remain closed due to systemic barriers, or lack of representation.

Meet Actress, Creative and Mentor, Helena Pipe

Meet Helena Pipe, a British-born, Bermuda-raised actress who has graced the stage in productions such as School of Rock, Oklahoma, and hit TV show Queenie. Helena shares her experiences and insights on the importance of representation and mentorship, plus why she is dedicated to mentoring creatives from backgrounds like her own.

Empowered by Community: the Role of Support and Mentorship

Most of my mentorship and support actually came during my formative years (before I embarked on the journey of performing arts in the UK). I received lots of support through different organisations, especially in Bermuda. There was an organisation called Troika Bermuda where they put on Broadway-style performances—having them fill in the gap was really impactful. I also had my family (and church family) pouring into me when I was in Bermuda. My foundational support was unique in that, while those around me may not have known the arts inside and out, what they provided was invaluable. From instilling a strong sense of self-belief to offering financial backing and ongoing encouragement, they gave me everything I needed to keep pushing forward. Growing up with strong role models, particularly women who pursued their goals with determination, was incredibly inspiring. The dance community played a huge role in shaping my journey too!

The Power of Paying it Forward: Sharing the Knowledge I Wish I Had

When I moved to the UK, I didn’t have the rich mentorship I had back in Bermuda . I had to teach myself a lot and figure things out on the fly. I came into the industry very green, not knowing what to expect. So now that I’m more established in the industry (and have had a few successful peaks in my career) being a mentor is really important to me. I’m open to providing support to people—whether it's through my content or one-to-one support. I’m passionate about giving people information that I didn’t know.

Authenticity is Key : Staying True to Yourself in the Creative World

The number one thing I’ve learnt about showing up in this industry is being authentic. A lot of the struggles I’ve personally had have been in instances where I’ve tried to transform myself into what I thought the industry wanted me to be, instead of just showing up as I am. I think being born in the UK and then moving to Bermuda was especially challenging in terms of navigating identity and showing up authentically. In the past, this impacted the work I was creating and how I would show up in rooms, but I later realised how important authenticity is, particularly being an actress. Just think, if I'm asked to portray a character authentically, how do I do that if I'm not even showing up in the room as myself authentically? So yeah, my number one motto now is: be proud of who you are. All of who you are. Owning every single part—and not letting the industry transform who you are. Authenticity is key. It's the building block of creating truthful work.

Advancing Representation: Why the Industry Must Open More Doors

The industry needs to make room for us [more diverse groups]. Let’s be frank: you can’t create what you don’t authentically know. So we need more Black people, more people of colour (POC), more people with disabilities etc., having access to theatre—and more importantly, being in the decision-making rooms. There are many independent people doing great things, but overall, the industry definitely needs to make more room for true equality and representation in the UK, so that all people can be seen.

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Keep in touch with Helena on Instagram.