Launching this September, ACTION is a three-year project designed to empower 16–30-year-olds from diverse backgrounds, giving them the tools to become creative leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers in their communities. The programme offers three strands of opportunity:
- Make it Happen – a 10-week green-entrepreneurship course where young people can design sustainable creative enterprises and pitch their ideas Dragon’s Den style, with the chance to win £100 to kick-start their initiative.
- Artist Agency – studio time and artistic development guided by professional artists.
- Creative Hub – drop-in workshops co-designed with youth interns, focusing on creative resilience and peer-led learning.
Julie Norburn, CEO of Art4Space, said:
“ACTION is a co-created initiative developed by listening directly to Lambeth’s young people. We want more young leaders, we’re calling them ‘shapeshifters’, to take up prominent leadership roles and sit on Boards across a variety of organisations. This programme is about giving them the chance to make a real difference.”
The programme is rooted in Lambeth’s Cultural and Climate Policies, offering nationally recognised qualifications such as NOCN Awards and Arts Awards. It also provides vital support for young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), helping them gain confidence, skills and brighter futures.
Dan Hogan, Grants Manager at the Walcot Foundation, said:
“We’re delighted to support Art4Space in delivering ACTION, an ambitious, inclusive programme that reflects our shared commitment to empowering Lambeth’s young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they deserve.”
Cllr Marcia Cameron, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy at Lambeth Council, added:
“We’re proud to support Art4Space in helping us bring Lambeth’s Growth Plan to life, creating purposeful, creative opportunities that empower young people and celebrate the strengths of our communities. Their inclusive, community-rooted work reflects the kind of innovation and local talent we’re committed to championing as we build a fairer, more vibrant economy for everyone in Lambeth.”
For those already working with Art4Space, the impact is clear. Daisy Brown, Youth Programme Lead, said:
“I’m so proud to be part of a programme that actually listens to young people and gives us the tools to lead change, ACTION is exactly what Lambeth needs.”
Art4Space has been at the heart of Lambeth’s creative community since 1999, reaching more than 5,000 young people through inclusive courses, studio access, and arts-based programmes that boost confidence, skills, and wellbeing.
To find out more about Art4Space, please follow this link, Art4Space
