Bridges: Connecting Young People with Creativity
What is Bridges?
Bridges is a new and exciting programme at Kettle’s Yard for young people aged 14-19 years. It aims to empower young people, giving them confidence and agency in art spaces by using art exploration as a tool to support their personal and creative growth.
This three year programme asks the question:
“What and where do we connect to?”
Cambridge is a city of bridges, connecting people from around the world with learning and culture, it is also the most unequal city in the UK. This project aims to open up those cultural spaces and include young people.
Bridges is a three year project (2024 – 2026). For each year an artist with a socially engaged practice is selected by young people taking part in the project.
Gallery
Get Involved!
There are two groups of young people taking part in this project:
- Students aged 14 – 16 years from North Cambridge Academy.
- Young Artist Mentors aged 16 – 19 years who live or study locally and are interested in how artists’ practice can encompass participant and social engagement.
If you would are interested in becoming a Young Artist Mentor please get in touch with Hannah on hjw68@cam.ac.uk.
Meet the Artist for Year 1: Jess Mulvey
Our first artist-in-residence, Jess Mulvey, was unanimously chosen by our young people panel. She will work on the project for year 1.
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Jess Mulvey
Year 1 Artist in Residence
Read their bio
What young people say about Bridges
I like that this (Kettle’s Yard) was made as a place of respite, retreat from the world, it has made me realise I need more of that.
I feel like today has shown me that it is not about being good at art. It is about exploring and asking questions. I feel like I will go home and reach for art for myself when I need it and not worry about whether it is always excellent – I can play and make art.
The workshops are so supported and open – I feel like I can really reflect on what makes me feel well.
How can we share an invitation to people to come into this space, to be able to encourage others who maybe don’t feel welcome here yet?
Supported by The Mildred Fund
Bridges has been kindly funded by The Mildred Fund.
The Mildred Fund provides support for art-based creative learning for 14–19-year-olds across the UK. In the current social and economic climate there is a critical need to support young people’s creativity, self-confidence, agency, and ability to connect with others, enabling them to envision a better future and navigate its challenges. The Fund has a focus on art and creativity supporting mental health and wellbeing.
What's On for Families
Visiting with Families
