Community Routes Seeks To Up Skill 150 Young Creative Professionals In The West Midlands
We are thrilled to announce the launch of Community Routes, an exciting new programme dedicated to equipping the next generation of young creative professionals with the tools, skills, and support they need to thrive in the working world.
Community Routes is not just another training initiative; it is a lifeline for young talent at a time when youth services are facing cuts across the country.
Following the success of our ongoing programme Gallery37, Birminghams flagship creative development programme which invests in the city’s next generation of creative artists; Community Routes, will offer a Residency, Mentors, Workshops and Networking opportunities to provide a safe environment for skill development for young professionals in the West Midlands.
We are furthering our reach and deepening our commitment to the region's young talent in the Midlands with Community Routes over the next three years, as we seek to empower 50 young professionals in the creative industries each year, focusing on those aged 18-25. This means that by 2027, we aim to have supported over 150 emerging artists - providing them with personal, professional, and creative development opportunities that are often inaccessible due to financial and institutional barriers.
So, what can participants expect from "Community Routes"?
Community Routes will provide young people with an exciting journey that builds upon their established skills, interests and knowledge. Beginning with a Residency, where young creatives can choose from one of five camps: Film, Digital Arts, Event Production, Vocal Performance and Music Technology. The selected programme participants will get the chance to develop their skills in their chosen camp in an intensive weeklong, bootcamp-style Residency with experienced mentors that will help develop their passion and give them transferable skills, knowledge and leadership to improve their education, employability and economic opportunities.
As part of the programme, participants will have the opportunity to work with specialist mentors, and get the chance to participate in workshops to master skills in areas such as leadership, producing, management, performance and budgeting. The Creative Industries is a complicated world to navigate, and we believe it’s important to provide professional guidance, and have opportunities to share industry knowledge so that a stronger infrastructure can be created in the region.
We will then be giving space for Community Routes participants to showcase their work and network with the public, potential employers and the wider Creative Industries.
Community Routes not only highlights & supports the incredible talent in the Region but also serves as a launchpad for future opportunities, opening doors that might otherwise remain closed.
“I feel very proud that we’re able to build upon the work we’ve accomplished through Gallery37 over the years by nurturing talent in contemporary art forms and enabling young artists to launch sustainable careers. During a time when opportunity in the arts space is dwindling, the fact that we’re able to offer this development opportunity and make it accessible seems all the more important.”
As we launch this brand new programme, we invite you to join us in supporting the West Midlands emerging creative professionals by sharing this programme far and wide. Do you know young artists that may be interested in Community Routes? We encourage you to share this programme with your personal circles so that we can continue supporting and celebrating young people to thrive in our region. Applications close on Monday 29th July.
Generously supported by The National Lottery Community Fund.