New scheme aims to 'open doors into creative world' for young people in York
Cultural Passports are set to be launched for young people in York and North Yorkshire (file photo) (Image: Mark Savage Photograpy)
A new scheme is aiming to spark creativity and opportunity for young people.
York and North Yorkshire’s Cultural Passport for Young People scheme will offer 11- to 18-year-olds free access to arts, culture, and heritage activities.
Cllr Pete Kilbane, York Council's Labour culture spokesperson, said the programme aimed to open doors to young people to a creative world that would otherwise be closed.
York and North Yorkshire Labour Mayor David Skaith said Cultural Passports removed financial barriers to young people discovering everything the county has to offer.
Organisations across the region can now apply for funding to deliver activities as part of the programme, with the first phase of applications closing on Monday, August 24.
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The Cultural Passport programme aims to help young people discover new interests, build confidence, and develop creative skills.
It follows a pilot that saw hundreds of young people take part in free activities like filmmaking, theatre, pottery, music, and sculpting across York and North Yorkshire.
Feedback is being used to shape the project going forward.
It was developed by York Council, supported by the mayor and funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
York Council's Culture Executive Member Cllr Kilbane said he hoped the programme would allow young people's imaginations to flourish.
Cllr Kilbane said: "The aim of the Cultural Passport programme is to energise and inspire young people and open doors into a creative world that would otherwise be closed.
"We are looking for projects that enable them to discover new skills, open opportunities for a life, and possibly a career, immersed in culture."
Cultural Passports are set to be launched for young people in York and North Yorkshire
(Image: Canva)
Mayor Mr Skaith said the pilot proved how much talent and enthusiasm the region had.
The mayor said: "From our rich heritage to our thriving arts scene, there's no better place in the world to enjoy culture than right here.
"I want more of our brilliant cultural organisations to apply so we can expand these opportunities."
Cllr Simon Myers, Conservative executive member for culture and arts at North Yorkshire Council, said it was a great opportunity for young people to get involved in.
Cllr Myers said: "The benefits of arts and culture are well-known and enrich our communities in North Yorkshire, bringing a boost to our economy and helping improve health and wellbeing.
"This is a great opportunity to get young people more involved in arts, culture and heritage activities which could inspire them to follow a career in the sector.
"I would urge organisations which are hoping to deliver activities through the programme to submit an application for funding to ensure that our cultural and arts sector in North Yorkshire becomes even more vibrant and diverse."
Funding guidance and application information are available here: www.culturalpassportyork.co.uk.