12 UK youth collectives in visual arts and museums
If you’re looking to get hands-on experience in the arts and gallery spaces, it can sometimes feel difficult to get your foot in the door. But whether you’re passionate about creative careers, art, or making museums more inclusive, there’s a group for you to get involved with! From Leeds to London, here’s a roundup of 12 exciting museum and visual arts collectives for 11- to 30-year-olds, curated by Isabel Sachs from I Like Networking.
Young Collective at Bristol Museums
Where: Bristol
Age group: 18-25 year olds, or 18-30 year olds with a Learning Difficulty or Disability living in the Bristol City Council area
This collective’s aim is to bring a fresh voice to museum discussions while encouraging members to develop new skills. Alongside tours of the galleries and behind the scenes, you’ll provide input on how to make museum spaces and culture more inclusive and engaging for diverse audiences and fellow young people.
Youth Collective at National Maritime Museum
Where: London
Age group: 16-24 year olds
Every year, the National Maritime Museum offers 12 people aged 16-24 from Greenwich a paid opportunity to co-produce and deliver a public programme. With support from museum staff, collective participants contribute perspectives and develop ideas to make the museum more inclusive and accessible to younger generations.
Youth Collective at V&A
Where: London
Age group: 13-24 year olds
The V&A Youth Collective is a group of young people who help shape its events and content, whilst gaining inspiring insight into creative careers and the museum sector, as well as skills-development opportunities. Although applications recently closed for their most recent cohort, it’s worth keeping an eye out for the next. They also have a newsletter and other events specifically for young people to get involved in throughout the year.
Youth Collective at Leeds Art Gallery
Where: Leeds
Age group: 14-21 year olds
Participants in the Leeds Art Gallery’s Youth Collective join events and workshops responding to the gallery’s collections and exhibitions, often collaborating with artists and curators to gain gallery experience and access arts industry opportunities.
Ikon Youth Programme at Ikon Gallery
Where: Birmingham
Age group: 16-21 year olds
This group of young people aged 16-21 meets regularly to make artwork, collaborate with professional artists, publish writing, host events and develop self-initiated projects. The programme is run out of a converted narrowboat doubling as a mobile studio and exhibition space that travels across the West Midlands, showcasing members’ work in various media.
1525 Collective at Nottingham Contemporary
Where:Nottingham
Age bracket: 15-25 year olds
This group helps shape and run events and courses at the arts charity, and as a member, you’ll also develop useful skills along the way. The collective is known for organising events like The Lyceum, which fosters discussions on topics like alternative education and creative failure, and for curating collaborative exhibitions such as 1525 x Oneiroi, showcasing works from local young artists.
Bloedd Collective at Amgueddfa Cymru (Museum Wales)
Where:Across Wales
Age bracket: 16-25 year olds
The Bloedd Collective at Amgueddfa Cymru (Museum Wales) seeks to engage young people in culture through collaborative projects and social events. Bloedd translates to “shout” in Welsh, and the collective offers members opportunities that amplify voices, such as paid work on youth-led projects that engage communities, and a monthly LGBTQ+ group that explores queer identities and art through talks and workshops.
Duchamp & Sons at Whitechapel Gallery
Where:London
Age bracket: 15-24 year olds
The Duchamp & Sons collective is made up of young people from across east London who meet regularly at the gallery to participate in workshops, fieldwork, and exhibitions, fostering both artistic expression and social engagement. The group often collaborates on creative projects with artists.
Youth Collective at the British Museum
Where: London
Age group: 18-24 year olds
The Youth Collective aims to spark conversations and influence change at the British Museum. It gives young people a platform to voice their opinions on the museum’s offerings, as well as co-create events, workshops, and content related to the museum’s collections. Applications for the 2024 cohort is currently closed, but it’s worth keeping an eye out for next year.
Dulwich Picture Gallery Under 30s
Where: London
Age group: Under 30s
The Dulwich Picture Gallery offers a range of opportunities for under 30s, including discounted admission, workshops, and events designed to engage young creatives with art and culture. Their initiatives aim to foster creativity, enhance professional development, and provide networking opportunities within the arts community.
Fresh Fruit Youth
Where: Edinburgh
Age group: 18–30 year olds
Fresh Fruit Youth is a platform providing opportunities for networking, skill development, and collaborative projects, including workshops, events, mentorship programs and online resources all aimed at helping young creatives thrive.
Roundhouse 11-30 Scheme
Where: London
Age group: 11–30 year olds
The Roundhouse's Young Creatives 11-30 Programme offers a range of workshops, courses, and memberships for young people interested in music, media, performing arts, and professional development. The Creative Studios Membership provides affordable studio access for those aged 13–25, while Roundhouse Works supports 18–30-year-old freelancers and entrepreneurs with workspace and development programs. Financial support is available to ensure inclusivity.
