In early 2024, we undertook a research project to identify opportunities to grow the impact of Arts Emergency’s mentoring programme. After combining data and existing knowledge around creative industry hotspots, national deprivation, access to underrepresented young people and potential volunteers, we discovered that a mentoring programme in West Yorkshire was both viable and deeply needed.
Throughout the second half of 2024, we focused on building relationships with local people and organisations, and worked hard on raising the funds required to commit to launching. Our many conversations helped strengthen our understanding of the region and of existing youth provision, grew our networks, and brought to life what an impact Arts Emergency could have in West Yorkshire. Above all, we discovered a clear and urgent need to deliver direct encouragement, advice, guidance and a sustained creative relationships and communities for young people currently underrepresented in culture and the creative industries. We are deeply grateful to the many, many kind people that gave their expertise and time to us with an open heart. We learnt so much, thank you.
We too are grateful for those who felt moved by our vision and gave donations and funding in recent months. Hearing some of your stories and reasons for giving has been so meaningful. For now, we are continuing to work and explore how we might raise the funds to get a quality West Yorkshire offer off the ground - sustainably and for the long-term.
We remain optimistic for the future and have ambition and confidence that Arts Emergency’s unique combination of mentoring, networking and community building will, one day, bring joy and support to local young people living in Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield.
Looking forward, we will continue conversations and focus on how we can fund this and work in unison with local organisations and people, delivering for young people together. If you’re reading this and think you can help seed and grow this beautiful community, please get in touch.
This isn’t the end of the story!