Join Southbank Centre’s Youth Collective: Make Your Voice Heard!
Want to explore your creativity? Want to shape the future for young people in your community? Join our Youth Collective and be part of real change!
The Southbank Centre and Black Thrive are launching a Youth Collective that will give young people aged 11–25 years old, a real voice in shaping how the Southbank Centre delivers their new youth Arts & Wellbeing programme.
This project is a collaboration between Southbank Centre and Black Thrive, putting youth voice and lived experience at the heart of a new creative programme designed to support better mental health for young people in Lambeth and Southwark.
Interested? Sign Up here: Join the Youth Collective
Who Are We Looking For?
Young people aged 11–25 in Lambeth or Southwark, especially those with:
- Underrepresented voices in the arts
- Lived experience (e.g. disabled young people, young carers, care-experienced youth)
- ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) backgrounds
- Neurodivergent individuals, whether self-identified or formally diagnosed- Autism, ADHD, etc.
- Young refugees or migrants
We strongly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Ethnically Diverse young people, including LGBTQI+ and from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Why Join?
Be Heard: Share your ideas and experiences- your voice shapes what happens.
- Build Skills: Boost your leadership, teamwork, and communication.
- Make Connections: Meet other inspiring young people and collaborate on real projects.
- Get Perks: Gain volunteer hours, earn vouchers for your expertise, boost your CV, and earn the right to say you influenced the Southbank Centre.
- Create Impact: Help shape events, influence decisions, and make your community better for everyone.
Whats On
Aged 11 – 18?
Creative Taster Session (11 – 18 years old)
Thur 03 July 2025, 4pm & 6pm @ Brixton House
Come through for a fun, hands-on creative session where you’ll try out new skills, express yourself, and connect with other young people.
4PM: Ages 11–15
6PM: Ages 16–18
No pressure, just good vibes and creativity.
Online Taster Session
Tuesday 8th July 5pm – 6pm ONLINE
Missed a taster session ? Join us online to hear more about the Youth Collective. For all aged 11 – 25 years old.
Aged 18-25?
Plug In (18-25 year olds)
We’re inviting young people aged 18–25 to shape the future of arts and mental health in Lambeth and Southwark. Get free tickets to incredible gigs, talks and performances at The Southbank Centre this summer and join our new collective. Plug In puts your voice front and centre.
Join us for a chat to discuss creative solutions, grab a slice of pizza and head down to an event of your interest!
The Mix (16-25 year olds)
We’re inviting young people aged 16–25 to shape the future of arts and mental health in Lambeth and Southwark. Get free tickets to incredible gigs, talks and performances at Meltdown Festival this summer— and join our new youth network – The Mix that puts your voice front and centre.
Join us for a chat to discuss creative solutions, grab a slice of pizza and head down to an event of your interest!
Upcoming Plug In events:
Bodied: Dance Battle Saturday 14 June, 2pm at the Southbank Centre
Top UK dancers face off in a high-energy battle, curated by Kloé Dean.
Meltdown Talks: Fashion Journeys Saturday 14 June, 2.30pm at the Southbank Centre
Tolu Coker, Foday Dumbuya, and Feben in conversation with host Sienna King.
Meltdown Talks: Acting Journeys Saturday 14 June, 5pm at the Southbank Centre
Clara Amfo hosts actors Tosin Cole, Fady Elsayed, and Letitia Wright.
Tiwa Savage + Tay Iwar Saturday 14 June, 7pm at the Southbank Centre
The ‘Queen of Afrobeats’ puts her stamp on Meltdown with her signature blend of soul, R&B and hip-hop.
Ghetts Wednesday 18 June, 7pm at the Southbank Centre
Hear the east London artist’s signature combination of razor-sharp, crystal-clear rhymes with smart humour and creative, intelligent wordplay.
Futuretense: Shivani Day + Nikhil Thursday 10 July, 6pm at the Southbank Centre
A genre-blending free gig with rising stars of R&B and indie rock.
Out-Spoken : July Thursday 10 July, 7.45pm at the Southbank Centre
Immerse yourself in an evening of poetry and music from artists on the rise and at the top of their game, in a monthly event hosted by poet and author Joelle Taylor.
Jeremy Nedd: from rock to rock Wednesday 23 July & Thursday 24 July at the Southbank Centre
The Milly Rock, a viral dance inspired by the rapper 2 Milly, takes centre stage in the acclaimed choreographer’s London debut.
Poets on the Dance Floor Thursday 24 July, 7.45pm at the Southbank Centre
Four poets explore the dance floors that have shaped them.
Sign Up for Plug In activities here
Participation in the Youth Collective and The Mix is free. Refreshments, and a travel bursary is available; those joining the Youth Collective will also be compensated for their time with a £25 voucher per session.
ALL AGES?
Online Taster Session
Tuesday 8th July 5pm – 6pm ONLINE
Missed a taster session ? Join us online to hear more about the Youth Collective. For all aged 11 – 25 years old.
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