Discover Young Hackney marks its 18th year with a special celebratory programme

Discover Young Hackney (DYH), the borough’s flagship youth arts and culture programme, is celebrating its 18th birthday by collaborating with previously funded cultural organisations to deliver an extra special line up of events.

The programme of free or low-cost workshops and courses in a wide range of artforms, including theatre, music, film, woodwork and design, will run throughout August, showcasing some of the best offerings from DYH over the years.

Young Hackney residents aged 15-26, including those with SEND, can take their first step towards a creative career by signing up to one of this year’s exciting activities:

• Write, develop and rehearse a play to perform to a live audience at the Arcola Theatre, after collaborating with peers and industry professionals in a week-long series of workshops.
  
  
• Perform a full scale live musical for the local community at Hoxton Hall, following four days of inclusive creative workshops with Hackney Shed.
  
  
• Record in a professional studio and perform live at landmark Dalston music venue, EartH, getting industry level training in writing, production and mixing electronic music from Progress Sessions.
  
  
• Create an original song, make a music video and digital media assets at a twelve-day summer music academy with Rising Tide, getting advice in songwriting, performance, vocal techniques, lyricism, branding, and storytelling, from industry professionals and experienced creative mentors.
  
  
• Design and make a series of glassware products using locally sourced recycled glass, to be exhibited as part of London Design Festival in September, following a one week summer school at STORE Schools with glassware designer Jochen Holz.
  
  
• Learn about carpentry, recycling, and sustainability, and develop woodwork skills, in a series of creative sessions at the Garden of Earthly Delights in Hackney Central.
  
  
• Gain the essential knowledge, skills and confidence needed to work as a location marshal on film and TV shoots, in a free two day training course with Set Ready Training.

To further recognise the milestone, this year's DYH poster has been designed by young Hackney-based artist Griffin Smith.

Find a full list of what’s happening and details of how to take part here. You can also follow Discover Young Hackney on Love Hackney's Instagram and X.

Discover Young Hackney is turning 18 and we're celebrating the occasion with a selection of some of our biggest and best workshops ever! Since 2007 Discover Young Hackney has helped break down barriers that can stand in the way of a career in the arts and cultural sectors for young people in the borough. This year our DYH programme is opening the door for more young residents to explore the arts and develop new talents and skills. If you're 15-26 with an interest in music, theatre, film, woodwork or design, then take a look at what's on and sign up today.

Chris Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care, Leisure and Culture