Oldham Council has secured funding to launch the Young Creative Producers Programme (YCPP) to give young people the opportunity to shape the future of culture across the borough
The programme is funded through Arts Council England's National Lottery Place Partnership Projects and will support young people aged 16-25 through paid placements, training, mentoring and accredited learning opportunities with local cultural organisations.
Each participant will receive a £3,000 bursary and complete a 200-hour placement, gaining valuable skills and experience within Oldham's thriving cultural sector. They will also benefit from an intensive training programme featuring cultural sector specialists and a range of practical skills for future arts careers.
Led by Oldham Council's Heritage, Libraries and Arts Service, the programme will be delivered in partnership with a range of organisations including Global Grooves, Northern Roots, Peshkar, Oldham Coliseum, Oldham Theatre Workshop, Oldham Sixth Form College, Mahdlo and others.
The initiative aims to tackle local talent drain, strengthen pathways into creative careers and ensure young people play a central role in designing and delivering Oldham's cultural activity. It will also provide targeted opportunities for young people from under-represented communities, supporting greater equality, diversity and inclusion across the sector.
Jodie Barber, Assistant Director for Youth and Communities, said: "This funding represents a significant investment in Oldham's young people and our cultural future. The programme will provide valuable experience, skills and qualifications, while giving participants a genuine voice in shaping cultural activity across the borough.
"By working in partnership, we are creating opportunities that will help young people thrive, strengthen our cultural sector in shared priorities such as environmental sustainability and inclusive practices, and support Oldham's wider regeneration ambitions."
Global Grooves will oversee the programme's delivery, working alongside cultural, education and community partners to provide a diverse range of placements covering theatre, music, festivals, heritage, digital inclusion, environmental arts and community engagement.
The programme aligns with Oldham Council's priorities around skills, inclusion and place-based regeneration, while helping to build a more sustainable and representative cultural workforce for the future.
Jen Cleary, Director North West, Arts Council England said: “Everyone should have the chance to develop a creative career, wherever they live and whatever their background, so I’m delighted that we are funding the Young Creative Producers Programme. It will enable young people to expand their skills, shape how their local cultural ecology works and get familiar with how culture and creative industries can offer a rewarding future career. It’s great to see so many organisations working together to deliver this project and support the next generation of creative talent in the town. I look forward to seeing how the programme progresses.”
Global Grooves, Artistic Director, Holly Prest said: "We are delighted to be working with Oldham Council and partners to deliver this exciting programme.
"By giving young people paid opportunities to lead, create and influence cultural activity, we can help develop the next generation of creative leaders while building a more inclusive and representative cultural sector.
"The Young Creative Producers Programme represents a significant investment in local talent and in the future of culture in Oldham.”