At a time when many young people are seeking connection, belonging and opportunities to engage with the world beyond their immediate communities, creative exchange has never felt more valuable.
But when funding is stretched and sector survival remains a priority, how do we continue to make space for exchange work? What does meaningful youth exchange look like in practice, and why should cultural organisations invest in it?
In this Cultural Sector Masterclass, we'll explore the power of creative exchange to connect children and young people across places, communities and cultures. Through practical examples from national and international programmes, we'll examine how exchange can build confidence, inspire creativity, develop leadership skills and create lasting relationships between young people and organisations.
The session will explore a range of exchange models, and we'll discuss what works, what doesn't, and how organisations can create impactful exchange opportunities even when budgets are tight. Speakers will share lessons learned from delivering exchange programmes, alongside practical approaches for organisations looking to develop meaningful opportunities for connection and collaboration.
In this Cultural Sector Masterclass session, you will hear from:
- Gabi Spiro, Senior Producer, Company Three
Gabi Spiro is a Creative Producer who works across socially engaged and community theatre. She is the Senior Producer at the leading youth theatre charity Company Three, where she leads the C3 Exchange programme and partnership work, connecting young people nationally through creative projects.
- · Oliver O'Shea, Associate Director, Pilot Theatre
Oliver is the Associate Director of Pilot Theatre, a touring theatre company and arts education charity, with a special focus on engaging 11-25 year olds. He leads the company's creative learning and participation programme, alongside his work as a freelance theatre director.
- Silvia Bonadiman, Program Development Manager, Cultural Bridge, Fonds Soziokultur (Germany)
With a background in sociology and gender studies, Silvia designs and leads funding programmes, with expertise in youth engagement, international collaboration, and participatory cultural practice.
This Masterclass series will be hosted by Clare Murphy, a storyteller, speaker and consultant who brings the ancient art of story firmly into the contemporary world where it belongs.
This event may be particularly relevant for anyone who is interested in:
- Working with children and young people in creative settings
- Developing opportunities for children and young people to engage with peers beyond their local communities whether locally, nationally or internationally
- The power of creative exchange to foster connection, belonging and collaboration among children and young people
- Encouraging young people to shape culture, together
What You'll Gain
- Insights from peers working with children and young people
- Practical examples of creative youth exchange programmes from across the UK and internationally
- Insights into how exchange can support children and young people's creativity, confidence and sense of belonging
- Ideas for designing meaningful peer-to-peer exchange opportunities and inspiration for developing exchange work within your own organisation, even when resources are limited.
- Opportunities to connect with peers and reflect on the future of youth exchange in the cultural sector
This free CPD is a part of A New Direction's Cultural Sector Masterclass series for creative learning professionals to reflect upon and strengthen your practice. This session is only available online and won't be recorded.
Find out more: www.anewdirection.org.uk/training-cpd/cultural-sector-masterclasses
