Engaging UK partners for youth-led arts programme

Where we are... is a funded programme which aims to help bridge the many barriers that can prevent young people from engaging with arts and culture locally, helping to develop their skills, and provide them with experience in project management, communication, creative problem-solving and networking.

In each area, young people who join the programme decide what type of arts and culture projects they would like to pursue and co-produce. Last year, young people in Swindon considered the theme of identity, producing the Pieces of Me exhibition at Museum & Art Swindon, which featured a range of thought-provoking creative works. In Wakefield, the group learned new skills in ceramics, lino printing and photography, producing an exhibition at Wakefield Museum entitled Our Journey. With input from professionals in curation and conservation, both groups learnt more about local arts and heritage, and what goes on behind the scenes in museums.

Applications from all types of museums and cultural spaces are invited, as are those from any registered third-sector organisation that works with young people. Once the two Key Partners are recruited, the programme will invite young people who are traditionally under-served in the arts and culture sector to apply. Young people of any background or experience are welcome, especially those who haven't engaged with museums before. 

Interested organisations should apply through the British Museum website by 27 January to be involved in the final year of the programme.

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.'

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.'

The British Museum's National Strategy
The British Museum is committed to sharing the collection and our knowledge as widely as possible to create a positive educational, social and economic impact across the UK. In 2023/24 we lent nearly 2,000 objects to over 100 museums and galleries, reaching around 8 million visitors outside of London. Our loans to partnership museums and galleries facilitate new perspectives on our shared global history, reflecting diverse viewpoints, lived experiences and collective ideas.

The British Museum also manages the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) in England, recording and sharing British archaeological discoveries to help shape our understanding of the past.

Our National Programmes work is supported by the Dorset Foundation in memory of Harry M Weinrebe.