The Young Creatives Commission is a national commission led by Centre for Young Lives in partnership with Roundhouse.
It aims to promote access to and increased participation in the arts by putting the arts on a par with sport for youth engagement, and to open pathways into creative careers for greater diversity in the creative industries.
The Commission will produce clear, evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, funders and industry leaders, alongside interim and final reports focused on improving access, participation and opportunity for young people.
This work is in part a response to the government’s National Youth Strategy (December 2025).
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A view of the state of play for the arts and creativity in education, youth work and enrichment activities for youth engagement, increased particiatpion and careers in the creative industries
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How to break down the barriers and create inclusive opportunities for access to the arts – national and local responsibilities and the role of and support from the creative industries.
How to boost learning through non-academic routes in the arts, including the benefits of access to creative spaces and quality facilities in community settings.
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How and where young people can learn and perform in the digital and real realms, including access to the careers in the creative industries, supported online.
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How to bring together the creative industries, youth and education sectors, to break down barriers and increase opportunity in the arts for disadvantaged young people, and a talent pipeline supported by the creative industries.
How we will know what are the benefits and impact of the boosting young people’s access to the arts and out of school activities.
The Young Creatives Commission is gathering evidence from across England to understand the barriers young people face in accessing the arts, and what works in increasing participation and opportunity.
This includes research, consultation with young people and organisations, evidence sessions with experts, and engagement with communities and creative spaces.
Insights gathered through this work will directly inform the Commission’s findings and recommendations.
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Share your insights on arts access for young people. Help shape recommendations to widen creative opportunities and careers for disadvantaged youth.
© 2026 The Young Creatives Commission
The Young Creatives Commission is led by Centre for Young Lives, a think tank and advocacy organisation working to improve outcomes for children and young people, with a focus on education, wellbeing and opportunity.
The Commission is delivered in partnership with Roundhouse, a renowned performing arts and youth organisation supporting young people to develop creative skills, confidence and pathways into the creative industries.
