Artswork

Artswork Empowering young people through creativity

Artswork is the national, independent youth arts development agency, committed to making a difference to the lives of young people at risk aged 12 – 25. We do this in two ways:

- Direct project work, providing creative opportunities for young people.

- Delivering professional development resources for a wide range of professionals working with young people.

What does it truly mean to centre young people in creative practice?At UNLEASHED Portsmouth, we started that conversatio...
22/05/2026

What does it truly mean to centre young people in creative practice?

At UNLEASHED Portsmouth, we started that conversation. We are continuing on these reflections in our next 2 sessions in Cambridge & Wigan.

Join us in Cambridge or Wigan as we continue to build spaces where young voices are heard, valued, and lead the way.

Free to attend:

Cambridge - 17 June - 11-3 - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/unleashed-east-tickets-1983436191040

Wigan - 6 October - 11-3 - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/unleashed-north-west-tickets-1983436542090

Please email [email protected] for accessibility requirements or group bookings.

This project is supported with public funding from Arts Council England
Photography by Cass Productions Ltd

We’re looking for freelance safeguarding trainers/ facilitators. If you have experience delivering safeguarding training...
22/05/2026

We’re looking for freelance safeguarding trainers/ facilitators.

If you have experience delivering safeguarding training, and are confident working in creative, cultural or community settings, we’d love to hear from you.

You’ll be delivering engaging, practical sessions that help others create safer environments for children, young people and adults at risk.
We will provide the course materials, you will bring your experience and insight.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis (we’re looking to appoint up to 2 trainers), so don’t wait to apply!
Learn more: https://artswork.org.uk/opportunities/freelance-safeguarding-trainer-facilitator

20/05/2026

For too many young people across the UK, doors keep closing.

What if we could change this through creativity?

We are launching our national campaign ‘What If’ calling for creativity to be prioritised for children and young people.

We want to speak with leaders, founders and policy-makers, on the importance of creative opportunities to empower young people within their communities to unlock potential, build confidence and better equip them for their future.

Find out more - https://artswork.org.uk/support-our-cause/what-if

This Week, we’re reflecting on how creativity helps people feel healthier, more connected, and more hopeful. Research ...
18/05/2026

This Week, we’re reflecting on how creativity helps people feel healthier, more connected, and more hopeful. Research shows that engaging with arts and culture, from visiting exhibitions to making and sharing, can improve health and wellbeing.

This year’s theme, Critical Hope, reminds us that creativity can help us imagine and build better futures, even in challenging times.

Through our work, we empower young people to explore their creativity, build confidence, and shape their futures. As part of the week, explore 'In the Blink of an Eye', at Playland in Portsmouth. an exhibition that invites us to pause, reflect, and experience creativity in new ways. https://creativityandwellbeing.org.uk/listing/in-the-blink-of-an-eye/ - open today 6-8pm and Saturday 23 May 10-4.

We have been creating space for conversations around creative health within Artswork, and this week we encourage our team, partners, and followers to think about how we all look after ourselves through creativity, connection, and reflection.

Take a moment this week: create something, visit a space, or simply pause.

Creativity is for everyone.

🚨📢⏰ Last chance for employers to apply for Breakthrough 26/27 and bring some fresh, young perspective into your team.Our...
12/05/2026

🚨📢⏰ Last chance for employers to apply for Breakthrough 26/27 and bring some fresh, young perspective into your team.

Our expression of interest closes on Monday 18 May.

"Young people offer a unique point of view, challenging established ways of thinking and contributing new ideas that can spark innovation. They also bring a strong sense of energy and curiosity, which can have a positive impact on team dynamics and morale." - Breakthrough Employee from our 25/26 programme.

Find out more - https://lnkd.in/eFfEwT_a

Or express your interest here - https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Xb8qj5ODfk-YKqBvwPuoslxob8xjuy9KkMv6gmZ8ICVUMk1FSlJQVEFCQzQ1MElZVVBWTzAwQ0swSyQlQCN0PWcu&origin=lprLink&route=shorturl

It's Mental Health Awareness Week, and at Artswork, we see every day how creativity empowers young people and supports t...
11/05/2026

It's Mental Health Awareness Week, and at Artswork, we see every day how creativity empowers young people and supports their wellbeing.

We were inspired by the ‘top 10 actions to support good mental health’ resource created by Mental Health Foundation to show some of the ways our projects support wellbeing:
- Get closer to nature: Young people in Dover created a bioart sculpture and habitat, highlighting the importance of access to outdoor spaces (image 1)
- Get creative: Students from the Lavinia Norfolk Centre designed three new public art pieces that transformed their community in and around the school
- Make time for friends: Our intergenerational community orchard project in Playland, Portsmouth turned a derelict space into a new green gathering place (image 3)
- Plan something to look forward to: Young people transformed Sandown Station subway with a vibrant mural, creating an uplifting space for the whole community (image 4)

We value mental health and know that creativity, connection, and nature all play a part in supporting young people's wellbeing.
For all ten actions to support good mental health, visit the Mental Health Foundation website: https://buff.ly/8RWH7c8

We are seeking to commission an experienced Freelance Curator & Project Manager to lead the development and delivery of ...
08/05/2026

We are seeking to commission an experienced Freelance Curator & Project Manager to lead the development and delivery of Hope – Youth Voices for Change, a major exhibition at Mall Galleries, London (8 – 24 January 2027).

This is a high-profile opportunity to shape and deliver a nationally visible exhibition that amplifies young people’s creative responses to urgent social issues.

About the project:
Hope – Youth Voices for Change is a flagship exhibition of work by or led by young people, made as part of youth-led changemaking commissions enabled by Artswork in multiple communities. It will explore young people’s creative solutions to four key issues; all already identified as major areas of concern by young people:

- Mental health and wellbeing
- Climate and environment
- Community cohesion and belonging
- Youth employment, skills, and future opportunity

Apply by 9 June - for full details and how to submit a proposal please visit our website: https://artswork.org.uk/opportunities/freelance-curator-project-manager-for-new-exhibition

Our first UNLEASHED event in Portsmouth brought together creative professionals, organisations, and young people for pow...
07/05/2026

Our first UNLEASHED event in Portsmouth brought together creative professionals, organisations, and young people for powerful conversations about youth-led practice.

Ready for the next one?
UNLEASHED Cambridge is coming on 17 June 2026!
A FREE half-day event putting young people's voices at the heart of creative practice
Whether you're a creative organisation, freelancer, or arts professional, join us to:
- Hear directly from young people leading change
- Learn from keynote speakers sharing real, practical insights
- Network with regional creatives and build collaborations
- Access resources to embed youth-led practice in your work
Tuesday, 17 June 2026
Time: 11:00 - 15:00
Location: Cambridge
These sessions are FREE to attend thanks to public funding from Arts Council England
Spaces are limited - register now here: https://buff.ly/369JXEc

Also coming to Wigan Pier, Wigan, 6 October 2026 https://buff.ly/d1t9jWR

For accessibility requirements or group bookings: [email protected]
Join our Initiative for the change in the Arts.
Accessibility or group bookings: [email protected]

Image credit – Cass Productions

Want to hire a young creative in your organisation but not sure what to expect?Hear what past Breakthrough employers had...
07/05/2026

Want to hire a young creative in your organisation but not sure what to expect?

Hear what past Breakthrough employers had to say about the programme ✨

With wraparound support for both employers and candidates, we’ll help you build an inclusive workplace, and welcome motivated young people into your team.

Click the link to find out more: https://artswork.org.uk/work-with-young-creatives/breakthrough-programme

If you have any questions, we’d love to hear from you.

Application deadline: 18 May 2026

Come and join our team!We're hiring a Data Protection & Impact Manager to join Artswork's team.This home-based role sits...
01/05/2026

Come and join our team!

We're hiring a Data Protection & Impact Manager to join Artswork's team.
This home-based role sits at the intersection of ethics and evidence ensuring we safeguard people's data while capturing the real impact of creativity in young peoples’s lives.
You'll lead on GDPR compliance, develop impact frameworks, and help us tell powerful stories backed by robust data.
Join us and help build trust, demonstrate change, and protect what matters most.

Closing date: 8 June 2026
Interview will take place on 23 June 2026

Flexible working and a supportive, inclusive environment at Artswork.
Apply now here: https://buff.ly/FxKUX2V

Address

MAST Mayflower Studios, 142-144 Above Bar Street
Southampton
SO147DU

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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