A 9-month creative programme for young people aged 16–21
Are you between 16 and 21 and into creativity, culture, and events?
Open to exploring art in ways you might not have experienced before?
Want to learn new skills, get hands-on experience, and dive into the world of creative industries?
How about working with other young creatives, artists, and event teams, all while getting exclusive behind-the-scenes access to a Gallery in 2025?
What you'll do
You’ll be part of NPG LAB in 2025, where you and a group of other young people will get hands-on with a variety of exciting projects at the Gallery. This includes planning and promoting events, creating resources, and coming up with creative ways to respond to the Collection.
The biggest project you’ll be involved in is planning and co-hosting a huge Youth ‘Late’ event in Autumn 2025.
This late-night event will bring together up to 750 young people and take over the entire Gallery. We’re talking live music, performances, film screenings, artist talks, workshops, chill-out spaces, and much more.
In the past, we’ve had everything from catwalks to silent discos, spoken word to opera. You’ll work together to plan every part of it, as well as promote it along the way. The best part? Everything at the Late is free for visitors, including access to special exhibitions.
NPG LAB is all about helping you grow creatively, personally, and professionally.
We’re looking for 50 young people who are keen to use the Gallery to learn new skills, build connections, experiment with ideas, and see how the space can shape youth culture today.
Who you’ll be
This project is perfect for you if you’re:
Curious about the world and excited to share your ideas
A team player who enjoys collaborating
Wondering what goes on behind-the-scenes at a Gallery like this one
Interested in making new friends and building your network
Open to discovering more about art and history (even if it’s new to you)
Looking to pick up skills that’ll help you in the future
Ready to learn more about yourself and boost your confidence
Curious about creative careers and what they really involve
Keen to have a say and creative control in a Gallery setting
Ready to bring your energy and commitment to the project throughout 2025
You don’t need to be thinking about a career in the arts to apply. We’re looking for people who are passionate about youth culture, making a change, activism, music, history, and more.
Make sure to share what excites you in your application.
What you’ll get
Bursary support: you’ll receive a £600 bursary to help cover your time, travel, food and other expenses.
Collaborative opportunities: work alongside different teams at the Gallery, like exhibitions, communications, visitor experience, events, and public programming. You’ll also collaborate with artists, makers, and creative professionals outside the Gallery.
Complimentary exhibition tickets: enjoy free access to the NPG exhibition programme when you attend sessions.
A LAB programme pack: a selection of art materials and Gallery merch to keep!
Snacks: free snacks, drinks and fruit available at all sessions.
Ongoing community connection: after the programme, you’ll graduate to our creative community network, NPG LOOP, to stay connected and keep momentum.
More detailed information & guidance can be found here: - https://www.npg.org.uk/learning/young-people/npg-lab
Application Deadline: Monday 20 January, 12 noon
