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Young person confidently speaking into a microphone at a pro-social conference addressing knife crime

Young Cultural Changemakers

A unique programme that supports young people to shape and deliver creative projects that make a lasting difference to where they live.

Table of Contents

Two young college students clapping their hands at a fashion show, wearing clothes made from upcycled clothing
Two young people walking through a corridor and speaking with each other An adult DJ showing a young person a vinyl record as they learn how to mix music

About

We are working in ​‘Priority Places’ across the south-east of England, as outlined by Arts Council England, to empower children and young people to take the lead on creative projects in their local areas. 

The programme responds to conversations held with young people where they have told us their hopes, dreams and what they would like to change about where they live. They are then connected with artists to explore and communicate their ideas, as well as the opportunity to undertake training and development opportunities that support their futures. Next, they are given funding that enables them to plan, organise and deliver creative youth-led projects that make a lasting difference in their communities and to their peers. 

In year one of the programme (2023−2024) more than…

  • 36,000

    community members across our five areas were positively impacted by youth-led changemaking work

  • 6000

    young people made active change in their communities

Our priorities

Our priorities are to work with local children and young people to:

Help young people to build their aspirations and potential through engaging creative opportunities

Empower local young people to find their voice and develop their confidence and leadership skills 

Support the delivery of youth-led, pride of place, and community building projects and opportunities 

Explore creative solutions that improve the lives of young people and their communities 

Connect with local organisations, freelancers, youth services, young people, and schools to enhance youth-led cultural provision 

Develop the offering of creative skills and career support within schools 

Work with young people to commission creative projects that focus on improving mental wellbeing 

Celebrate the events and activities that are already happening nearby 

What people are saying about the programme

  • We know that when we trust young people and empower them to take the lead, they do an incredible job.

  • It's good for young people to have a voice – young people know young people, and what they want to see – It helps them be represented.

  • This has been a great chance to explore how we can talk about mental health and I've felt listened to when I talk about what helps me.

  • It was an incredible thing to be a part of, bringing everyone together, to make a difference to our town. 
This short film showcases the work that our Young Cultural Changemakers achieved in the first year of the programme.
Local students talking to each other holding a certificate for completing the changemaker programme whilst standing in front of a mosaic mural they designed and helped to create

Training and skills development

Young people who participate in our Changemaker programme can engage in training opportunities to develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication, and listening, that will support their futures. They can also receive qualifications in the form of Digital Badges and Arts Award that can be used in a CV or applications. You can find out more about these qualifications below.

Qualifications and certifications

Locations

Young Cultural Changemakers takes place in different locations across the south-east of England.

Learn more about each of the areas we work in and find out about the positive impact young people have had in their communities:

Our impact

We support young people to deliver multiple creative commissions in each area. You can read about some of the fantastic youth-led projects that have happened so far here:

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