Hackney organisations can kick-start creative careers for young residents through Discover Young Hackney
Discover Young Hackney, DYH, Hackney Council’s annual young persons arts and culture programme, is returning for its 15th year and is now looking for arts, creative and cultural organisations based in Hackney to apply to be part of this summer’s line-up. The initiative aims to develop creativity in young people and break down the barriers that can stand in the way of a career in the arts and cultural sectors.
Since 2007, Discover Young Hackney has encouraged thousands of young people each year to develop their creative skills and helped provide them with a career route into the cultural and creative industries. Over the years this has included activities in the theatre, music, dance, photography, film, fine arts and fashion sectors through a programme of free or low-cost participatory events and workshops.
Hackney Council is putting a £50,000 DYH22 Small Awards Fund on the table for arts and cultural organisations to bid for. This year's festival is looking for high-quality, inclusive and creative opportunities for Hackney’s young residents, which focus on projects that offer experiences in contemporary art forms such as audio or digital media. Applicants can apply for an amount from £500 up to a maximum of £5,000 to fund a programme. The deadline for applications is midday on Monday 4 April 2022.
Hackney has an enviable reputation as a home of creativity and creative expression. It is a reputation that has been developed over generations and one of the most significant contributions has come through Discover Young Hackney. DYH opens the door for young residents to explore the art forms and the creative industries that are the force behind this reputation. It helps to focus their talents and introduce them to the pathways to training, development and on to exciting careers in the arts, cultural and creative sectors. Hackney’s support for DYH has been and still is crucial in ensuring the great career opportunities in these sectors are open to all and creative talent is recognised. It is the perfect example of how by working together we can build an inclusive social value led economy.
This year’s Discover Young Hackney festival will take place from 1 August to 1 September 2022. Applications for the Discover Young Hackney 2022 Small Awards are now open. If your organisation is interested in applying for an award, please submit your online application by midday on Monday 4 April 2022. For any queries, please get in touch at culture@hackney.gov.uk.
Notes to editors
To apply, organisations must be based in, or working in the London Borough of Hackney. Proposals can be an extension of existing activity and should signpost participants to further opportunities. Applications for awards must include participatory and learning outcomes for young people.
Smaller projects, defined as projects that are delivered by an individual organisation, can apply for awards of up to £2,000. Larger projects, in partnership with other organisations or focused on the longer term, can apply for between £3,000 and £5,000.
Please read the application form guidance notes carefully before submitting your application. All applications are expected to include a minimum match-funding of 10% of the overall project costs, in-kind or in cash. All projects must be delivered between 1 August and 1 September 2022.