We hold the space for young people from all backgrounds to develop confidence, creativity and transferable skills through youth led creative projects and networks.
There are three main strands to our work
Young Producer Programmes
A producer is someone who takes an idea and turns it into a reality. Since 2012 Blaze has trained 1016 young people to produce their own festivals, publications, exhibitions or events. Our Young Producer Programmes combine high quality training, mentoring, peer networks and the opportunity for young people to access and take ownership of resources.
Blaze
Community
At the heart of our mission is our belief in the power of creative communities. We nurture and develop networks and partnerships that bring together diverse people to effectively collaborate and create change. We ensure that young people have the opportunity to lead and shape these communities.
Developing Youth Led Practice
We work with creative and cultural organisations to improve how they work with young people. We train them to reflect on their practice, listen effectively, champion diversity and embed youth voice within their work. We deliver bespoke packages of support for organisations who want to pilot new ways of working.
I wasn't good in a social context at all before Blaze. I've now learnt a lot and gained more confidence to do things I couldn't do before.
Samman
Before Blaze, I didn't work well with other people because English is my second language. But now I've worked out how to work as a team effectively and love it!
Nikola
I've learnt tolerance and when to listen to others. I used to talk over other people's ideas. Now I've learned to be patient in a meeting and listen to everyone's input.
Dan
We were all working, you're delegated a lot of roles and responsibilities, and you're trusted with that to be given such a responsibility, it's a good feeling...it made me want to come every week, sometimes twice a week, so as not to let anyone down.