Expressions of interest for Youth-Led Creativity funding were reviewed by our young consultants, who led on the assessment process and shortlisting. We gathered their feedback on the applications, focusing on what made the shortlisted applications stand out.
The following feedback is shared based on each of the Youth-Led Creativity funding criteria.
1. Is driven and shaped by young people
There was a wide range of responses to this and the young consultants appreciated the different approaches and journeys organisations are taking to being youth-led. Overall, they prioritised applications that clearly demonstrated the significant role young people played in the organisation and in leading the work. Evidence provided included:
- Having young people in leadership positions and offering mentorship to help them develop, showing young people have power over decisions at all levels of the organisation.
- Going beyond listening to young people and giving young people space and power to make decisions or take the lead.
- Young people’s contributions really coming through on their website and social media (in addition to the application), which showed how embedded young people’s voices are in shaping the work.
2. Understands and can demonstrate a track record of centering the voices of young people underrepresented in arts and culture
Applications rated highly for this:
- Showed a strong understanding of the barriers and challenges the underrepresented groups they are working with face and what that meant in practical terms for their work.
- Gave examples of how they engage the young people they work with, using different methods of listening and valuing their voices, reflecting the varying needs of the young people and ensuring their engagement was culturally appropriate.
- Had young underrepresented people in their leadership team.
3. Prioritises the joy and care of young people
Applications rated highly for this went beyond key points in their safeguarding approach and provided specific examples and quotes from young people to show they had a strong focus on this:
- Examples include having after care programmes, valuing young people’s time – including paying for their time, providing food, signposting to mental health care when tackling tough subjects, poverty-proofing their work so every young person could participate.
- Took a holistic approach, giving thought to the young people’s homelife and financial situation, and supporting them so they could access their project.
- Showed the importance of fun, making space for socialization without strict outcomes.
- Showed an understanding of the time it takes to build relationships, making space for the young people to feel supported and safe.
- Made efforts to bring joy and positive energy into the environment and the work.
4. Uses art and creativity as a tool for change
Applications rated highly:
- Had a strong understanding of their mission and the change they wanted to create.
- Gave clear examples of how the young people they work with developed throughout their engagement and how this changed and the positive impact this had on their lives beyond the programme.
- Used art and creativity to empower young people, making them feel more positive about their future; as well as a way to stimulate conversations and be curious.
5. Is driving change for the future
Applications rated highly:
- Had strong connections and engaged with the wider sector and communities they work in, seeking to influence by sharing what they learn and promoting best practice as well as using art and creativity to challenge the status quo.
- Thought about impact beyond the project particularly in terms of longer-term outcomes for the young people.
Other general feedback
Overall, applications rated more highly showed honesty and self-awareness about their own weaknesses and what steps they were taking to improve, and were from those who relinquished power to the young people and supported them with what they needed to make decisions.
