Museum of Chelmsford help in leading a cultural revolution in Chelmsford
Young people in Chelmsford are taking the lead in shaping the city's cultural future, thanks to a major £250,000 investment from Arts Council England, through the National Lottery Place Partnership Fund.
The Young Cultural Changemakers Programme will put 13–25-year-olds from local youth changemakers, Spark!, in the driving seat of decision-making. They’ll deliver cultural events, influence public policy, and help build a stronger, more inclusive creative economy that will benefit the Chelmsford district. The project is produced by Culture Chelmsford, and delivered in partnership with Chelmsford City Council, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford For You, and Chelmsford College.
Formed in 2022 through the Local Cultural Education Partnership (LCEP), Spark! was established to amplify young voices, remove barriers to accessing creative opportunities and develop the next generation of civic changemakers.
Over the next two years, Spark! will deliver four high-impact projects designed to foster creative skills development, commission opportunities for creative professionals and produce a transferable model of best practice for other towns and cities across Essex and the UK.
For the Museum of Chelmsford, they will be working with us on Collecting Our Future - a city-wide campaign to co-create a new collections policy that better reflects the diversity of Chelmsford’s communities. Through exhibitions, workshops, debates and a cultural exchange with another city, young people will help define how we, the museum, collects and curates 21st-century and locally relevant stories—with a strong focus on climate consciousness and inclusive heritage.
Creating Systemic Change – Locally, regionally and Nationally
The Young Cultural Changemakers Programme is not just about creative activities —it's about long-term transformation. It addresses key challenges identified by young people themselves, including low confidence, mental health barriers, lack of industry awareness, and limited access to early creative experiences.
By giving young people genuine power and responsibility, Spark! aims to:
- Influence national conversations on skills and access to creative careers
- Inform policy and funding models for youth-led placemaking
- Serve as a blueprint for other regions to unlock the creative potential of the next generation
“Being part of Spark! has changed how I see my future. We're not just attending events—we’re creating them, planning them, and making decisions that will contribute to Chelmsford for many future years. It’s empowering to know that as a young person our voices matter and have an impact.”
Isobel, Chair of Spark!
“The Arts Council is delighted to support Spark! and the Young Cultural Changemakers Programme through our Place Partnership Fund. This ambitious, youth-led initiative is a powerful example of how creative leadership can emerge when young people are trusted with the tools and support to shape their communities. It is inspiring to see young voices empowered through decision-making, and we look forward to seeing the lasting impact this investment will have on the Chelmsford's cultural identity and creative economy.”
Hazel Edwards, South East Area Director, Arts Council England
