Ardagh Young Creatives 2024

Young people can get involved in these ways:

• Apply to take part in our AYC Annual Programme (open to ages 14 – 16)

• Join our creative workshops throughout the year (open to ages 14 – 25)

• Attend our mentoring networking meet ups or speed mentoring (open to ages 14 – 25)

• Apply to join our Youth Board (open to ages 18 – 25)

Discover more details below.

A yearly programme for young people to create pathways into design.

A group of up to 17 young people are selected to work together with guest designers to learn about the world of design and designers. Through workshops, mentorship sessions and hands-on activities, the group explores the design process and work on developing a collective project which is showcased at the museum.  

What will participants get out of it: 

– Understand pathways into creative careers  

– Develop digital and hands-on skills  

– Work to a design brief  

– Co-create a group project with industry professionals  

– Meet other young people  

– Add to their CV and portfolio  

– Learn employability skills and receive guidance from professional mentors  

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• This programme is free

• Lunch and travel costs are covered

• This year’s full programme will run from July to November 2024

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If you can't commit to the full programme, you can join some of our workshops.

• The workshops are free to join

• You can pick any of the workshops happening from July until August

• Lunch and travel costs are covered

• PLEASE NOTE: Future workshops will be announced on this page

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HOW TO APPLY

It's easy: apply using the link below and complete the form to participate either in the full programme or enjoy our creative sessions.

When you complete the form, you'll be contacted by a member of the team who will be able to assist with any questions.

How can cultural spaces truly advocate for young people wanting a career in creativity? Who do we represent and how?  

We are looking for 5 members to be part of a Youth Board to help create a better offer for young voices in cultural institutions. The board will be led by professional designers and key staff members.    

We’re looking for people who:

– Want to be part of platforming young people’s voices 

– Care about accessibility, inclusion and representation 

– Are interested in and curious about creativity, cultural spaces and design 

– Identify with a marginalised group, or feel underrepresented in design 

What will participants get out of it? 

– Learn from designers and facilitators with a broad range of specialties and experience 

– Develop skills in research, collaboration and public speaking

– Learn how to explore a question using research methods 

– Learn how to communicate effectively using text and images 

– Gain access to the museum’s current exhibitions and key staff

– Enjoy opportunities for collaboration and co-design   – Have their voice truly and respectfully heard 

Other requests led by youth board will be considered within the means of the duration.    

Please note:
No prior experience, or knowledge of design necessary. 
This is a paid opportunity. Light refreshments are provided during the sessions. 

Applications are now closed.

Our networking and mentorship events are a great opportunity for young people to meet other engaged creatives and industry professionals and ask them questions.  We proudly partner with Design Can.

These events allow young people to learn more about routes to get into a creative career, build networking skills, enjoy soft drinks, and play games.  Attendees meet and learn from professional designers to better understand and challenge preconceptions of what creatives do and who they are.

Please note:
Upcoming networking events will be announced in 2025, and a booking link will be added to this page closer to the date. Stay tuned!

Download this PDF document that indicates the museum's spaces and instructs wayfinding.

Background image by Justine Trickett.