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Young people standing on a bridge with blue sky behind them, holding up a pair of trousers and throwing a world globe in the air.

Creativity for change.

Use creativity to solve problems, seize opportunities and make a positive impact with Artswork. 

Artswork is a charity that empowers young people through creativity, so they can build a better future – for themselves and others.

Two young people sat inside a giant whale sculpture that is made of plastic waste

We run programmes and projects that pave the way for work in the creative, cultural and heritage sectors. We give you the means to make an impact in your community, amplifying your voice and helping you find creative solutions. We provide placements that could unlock creative careers you might never have imagined – and much more.   

Why? Because if you dream of changing your life, or other people’s lives, for the better, we don’t think your background or circumstances should stand in your way. Given the space and opportunities, your creativity could shape the future. 

Young college student holding a colourful inflatable globe
An adult DJ showing a young person a vinyl record as they learn how to mix music
Two young people painting a wall together as part of a large-scale mural Two young people walking through a corridor and speaking with each other
Make yourself heard

Youth-led projects

Our people, places and planet face big challenges. You have the power to solve them. Through our Young Cultural Changemakers Programme, you can make a lasting impact on your community through creative ideas and projects. Or, with the Artswork Youth Board, you can help shape the work of our charity. 

Raise your voice
A young volunteer and creative practitioner engaging in positive conversation at a creative careers event

Shape your future

You might still be at school, or perhaps you’re battling to find work. Maybe you don’t know what you want to do next. Wherever you are on your journey, Artswork is for you. Break free of limitations and find what you need to turn creative ambitions into fulfilling work with our placements, programmes and resources. 

Build your creative career

Getting started

For young people who are starting out in their careers, looking for new opportunities like youth placement schemes.

Go further

For young people who are already on their career or creative journey, looking to progress through training.

Looking to learn

Through creativity-led training and events, we help professionals think differently, express themselves better and develop valuable skills, whatever their role or sector. For those based in Priority Places – areas where we believe arts and culture can make the biggest impact – we provide funded spaces too. 

Support our cause

Artswork exists to help young people change their lives, communities and futures through creativity, whatever their background or circumstances. We don’t think anyone’s potential should be limited by things they can’t control. Do you agree? 

Our impact

In 2023 – 24:

  • 5797

    young people made active change in their communities through workshops, events and art pieces.

  • 2215

    young people were impacted by violence reduction work on our Choices programme.

  • 69

    young people improved their career prospects through our RISE, Breakthrough, Apprenticeship and Portsmouth Creative Skills programmes.

  • 90%

    of the young people we worked with felt heard’.

A group of young people participating in a tie-dye workshop as the facilitator supports them in the background

About us

Artswork is a charity that empowers young people through creativity, so they can build a better future – for themselves and others.

We run programmes and projects that pave the way for work in the creative, cultural and heritage sectors. We give you the means to make an impact in your community, amplifying your voice and helping you find creative solutions. We provide placements and pre-employment training that could unlock creative careers you might never have imagined – and much more.

Why? Because if you dream of changing your life, or other people’s lives, for the better, we don’t think your background or circumstances should stand in your way. Given the space and opportunities, your creativity could shape the future.

Find out more

Stories

Here’s what some of the young people we work with say about taking part in our programmes. 

  • It was amazing to be able to lead the day, we really showed that if we want change, we have the power to make it happen.

  • I would recommend RISE because it is a great confidence builder and it forces you to make time for your creative practice.

  • The Breakthrough programme gives opportunities to have your voice as a young person heard in creative spaces.

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