Cambridge has a thriving creative and cultural sector but access to opportunities is not always equal. Creative Futures aims to help young people see that there is a place for them in the city’s creative future.
We recognise that creativity is about much more than arts participation. Creative experiences can help young people build confidence and develop communication skills. They can make them more resilient and curious and grow a stronger sense of belonging. They can also lead to new possibilities for learning, work and future careers.
For many young people, school is the main route into cultural activity. Our Creative Futures programme works with local partners to help young people access opportunities that might otherwise feel out of reach.
By helping to develop a more diverse, skilled and local workforce, the programme also supports Cambridge’s wider creative economy.
A pathway from first experience to future career
We have designed Creative Futures to be a journey rather than a series of separate projects. There are three strands: Creative Pathways, Creative Connections and Creative Launchpad.
A young person might join a workshop or cultural visit through Creative Pathways. Later, they could access mentoring and industry networks through Creative Connections. Lastly, Creative Launchpad can help them find paid opportunities and creative enterprise support.
By connecting these opportunities, we will help more people turn their interest into progress.
Creative Pathways
Creative Pathways helps young people access high-quality cultural experiences through their schools. They can build confidence while discovering new interests. And they can learn about the wide range of careers available in creative industries.
It offers free creative workshops, cultural visits, career industry days, work experience opportunities. It can also provide support with travel costs. It works with schools and communities where access to arts and culture might be more limited.
Creative Connections
Creative Connections will support 16 to 18-year-olds who are interested in creative careers but may not have access to professional networks, industry knowledge or contacts.
This stage of the programme will introduce young people to creative professionals. It will do this through structured mentoring, networking opportunities, bespoke career support, workplace insight and employability activity.
This will help develop the confidence, knowledge and connections that young people can need to take their next step. That might be further study, or employment or freelance work in the creative sector.
Creative Connections launches in January 2027. We will deliver it in partnership with Form the Future, Creative Mentor Network, and the Skills Network.
Creative Launchpad
The final stage of the programme will provide early-career support for young artists and creatives.
We’re developing Creative Launchpad to help creatives develop and sustain their practice in Cambridge. It will include bursaries and grants, mentoring and training, showcasing, commissions and more.
This will help make Cambridge a place where creative talent can flourish.
Get involved
Creative Futures will only succeed through collaboration.
We want to work with any of the following who can help shape a more inclusive creative future for Cambridge:
- schools, colleges and universities
- cultural organisations
- creative businesses
- employers
- mentors
- workspace providers
- funders
- young people
Contact us to find out more or discuss how your organisation could get involved.
