Charities and cultural venues across the UK have an exciting opportunity to participate in the fourth year of the youth-led British Museum programme, Where we are… This innovative national initiative, tailored for individuals aged 16–24, aims to empower young people by engaging them in arts and culture projects within their local communities.
The programme, part of the British Museum’s National Programmes, is launching a national open call to partner with cultural and third sector organizations nationwide. The goal is to collaborate in delivering projects that enable young people to explore and express their perspectives on arts and culture.
Where we are… encourages participants to interpret the significance of arts and culture in their lives, allowing for a broad spectrum of creative expressions. In the previous year, projects in Wakefield and Swindon encompassed diverse creative outputs such as photography, ceramics, printmaking, and painting with light.
This funded programme serves as a platform to overcome barriers that often hinder young individuals from engaging with local arts and culture scenes. It aims to foster skill development, provide hands-on experience in project management, communication, creative problem-solving, and networking opportunities.
Applications are welcome from all types of museums, cultural spaces, and registered third sector organizations working with youth. Following the recruitment of two Key Partners, the programme will specifically reach out to young people typically underserved in the arts and culture sector. Applicants from any background or level of experience, particularly those new to museum engagement, are encouraged to apply through the British Museum website by the deadline of 26th February to participate in the upcoming year of the programme.
Maria Bojanowska, Dorset Foundation Head of National Programmes, expressed her enthusiasm for the programme’s impact on young individuals nationwide. She highlighted the diverse cultural expressions witnessed through the projects, emphasizing how Where we are… enables young people to articulate their personal connections to arts and culture.
Hanouf Al-Alawi, National Outreach Manager, echoed these sentiments by applauding the programme’s role in building confidence and fostering community bonds among young participants. Al-Alawi encouraged organizations throughout the UK to submit their ideas for this year’s projects and emphasized the program’s commitment to empowering youth and creating meaningful community connections.
For those eager to engage young individuals in arts and culture exploration within their communities, the invitation is open to embrace ‘Where we are…’ and make a positive impact. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out and be part of this transformative initiative.
Let’s join hands in nurturing creativity, fostering inclusivity, and empowering the next generation of artists and cultural enthusiasts through Where we are…
More information about the program at the website for British Museum