Engagement in artistic activities not only nurtures creativity in an individual but also helps them to develop essential skills, including emotional intelligence and stimulation of creative thinking, making a meaningful difference during the formative years of life. However, any change occurs in the beginning which is where youth’s participation steps in. To commemorate this partaking, the British Museum is inviting young people for the fifth and final year of the youth-led arts program.
This national program that empowers those aged 16-24 to bridge with art is supported by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation. As individuals co-create art and culture projects in their communities, the project further calls several partner organizations and third-sector organizations across the UK to co-deliver these projects as a part of the British Museum’s National Strategy. The primary purpose of this program is to bridge the barriers of young people and engage them with art and culture, further strengthening these sectors through youth’s creativity and providing them an experience with project management, communication, creative problem-solving, and networking.
Maria Bojanowska, Dorset Foundation Head of National Programmes, said,
“This programme has enabled so many young people to not only access but to create and lead on arts and culture projects in their local area. It has been hugely valuable for the many partner organisations that have taken part, which have benefited from the new perspectives that young people can bring, and the best practice knowledge of the wider Where we are… network.”
In every single area, young people who will join this program will have an opportunity to decide on what kind and type of art project they would like to co-produce. Further, the institutions, museums, and cultural spaces that will take part in this program will have an opportunity to co-work with several reputed institutions, enabling them to gain a perspective to consolidate people’s approaches to different kinds of art.
Just last year, young people in Swindon represented the theme of identity, producing the ‘Pieces of Me’ exhibition at Museum & Art Swindon, which featured a range of thought-provoking creative works. Similarly, in Wakefield, the group learned new skills in ceramic, printing, and photography, producing an exhibition at Wakefield Museum entitled ‘Our Journey.’ This input further encourages young individuals with a new aspect of job opportunities for the future as they learn best from professionals in curation and conservation; both groups will learn more about local arts and heritage, and what goes on behind the scenes in museums.
Hanouf Al-Alawi, National Outreach Manager, said,
“Over the past four years, we have worked with over 120 young people in 10 cities. In each location, the Where we are… programme has left a lasting legacy for those who have participated, and their communities. They have built confidence, made new connections and developed transferrable skills. We look forward to hearing from charities and cultural organisations from every nation of the UK, for this fifth and final year of the programme.”
All kinds of applications from museums, cultural spaces, and registered third-sector organizations are welcome. For now, the application is for the community itself and once two key partners are recruited, the program will start inviting individuals who are under-served in art and culture. It is not important if the individuals have any art experience and have past engagement in the museums. For now, interested organizations can apply through the British Museum website by 27 January to be involved in the final year of the program.
Featured Image by British Museum.
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