Young Creatives Collective: Applications Now Open!
Are you 16-18? Want to meet other creative young people and work on exciting arts projects together? Curious to know more about opportunities both close to home and across the UK?
Modern Art Oxford is now inviting applications for the Young Creatives Collective a free, year-long opportunity for 16–18 year olds living in Oxfordshire. Applicants are asked to commit to a minimum of 6 months on the programme (meaning individuals starting University in the Autumn of 2026 can still participate for 6 months before they move onto campus!)
The Young Creatives Collective is a small, supportive group of young people who come together to experiment, collaborate, and shape creative projects with artists and arts professionals. No previous art experience is needed. Just curiosity, openness, and a willingness to work together.
To get a better sense of exactly what this programme offers, check out what alumnae Thea has been up to since graduating from the group. Thea explains, ‘the [Young Creatives Collective] gave me the self-esteem to pursue art seriously and fuel my decision to study Fine Art at Arts University Bournemouth , where I graduated with a First. Since then, I’ve exhibited work in group shows in both Bournemouth and London.’
What is the Young Creatives Collective & When Do Sessions Happen?
The Young Creatives Collective meets monthly with sessions taking place on the third Saturday of each month, starting in April 2026 and running through to March 2027. Working closely with artists and the Modern Art Oxford team across the year, you’ll help shape creative projects and co-curate a mini-programme, including a public event at Modern Art Oxford. You’ll even have the chance to help design original merchandise for the gallery shop!
Along the way, you’ll get hands-on experience of how a contemporary art organisation works, from developing ideas to bringing them to life for real audiences.
What‘s in it for you?
As part of the Young Creatives Collective, you’ll have the chance to:
- Take part in studio-based workshops that support and grow your own creative practice
- Co-curate a mini-programme and public event, from concept to delivery
- Work alongside professional artists and gallery staff, gaining real insight into arts careers
- Collaborate with other young creatives on live projects
- Help design original merchandise for the gallery shop
- Create writing or digital content that may be published on Modern Art Oxford’s blog or social media. Here’s an example by Young Creative alumna Mia, who explored our archives and wrote a piece about them for our blog!
- Discover cultural opportunities in Oxford and across the wider region
- Build confidence, skills, and connections that support future creative pathways
You’ll also receive mentoring, a materials budget, free access to paid exhibitions, and travel bursaries to support your participation.
Who can apply?
The Young Creatives Collective is open to young people aged 16–18 living in Oxfordshire.
No previous experience in art or galleries is required. We’re looking for curiosity, imagination, and a willingness to collaborate.
We particularly welcome applications from:
- Members of the global majority
- Young people with disabilities
Expressions of interest from these groups will be guaranteed a place on the shortlist. Also, to help make this a supportive and inclusive experience, all applicants are offered a 1:1 conversation with a member of the team before joining, to talk through any questions, access needs, or support requirements. You can read more about our inclusive and ambitious Mission and Values here.
How to apply
To apply, please submit either:
- A short written statement (maximum one side of A4), or
- A video or audio response
Your application should respond to the question:
What do you think being part of a collective is all about?
Please also briefly introduce yourself, share your interests, and tell us what you’d hope to gain from being part of the Young Creatives Collective. You’re welcome, but not required, to include up to three images of your work.
How to submit
- Written applications should be sent as a Word document or PDF
- Video or audio applications should be shared via a URL (for example, Google Drive, YouTube, or Vimeo)
Send your application to:
creativelearning@modernartoxford.org.uk
Deadline: 9am, Friday 20 March
Decisions shared by: Friday 3 April
If you’d like support with your application or want to talk things through first, please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.
Dates for your diary
Sessions will take place in the Studio at Modern Art Oxford on the third Saturday of each month, 11am–1pm, unless otherwise stated.
2026:
18 April, 16 May, 20 June, 18–19 July, 19 September, 17 October (all-day), 21 November, 29 December
2027:
16 January, 20 February, 20 March
Some sessions may include travel to local or regional galleries. Any travel will be communicated in advance and we’ll work with you to ensure any accessibility needs you have can be met. Travel bursaries will be arranged where needed.