A new project led by young people in Brentwood will explore their creative talents and entrepreneurial skills in the Borough as they take the lead in designing their own futures.
Creative Cove will take over a space in Brentwood high street from 29 June to 7 September inviting young people aged 16-25 to make creative products, receive mentoring from industry experts in running a creative business and support in their future career paths.
The project has been developed with a core group of young people supported by local creative organisations Blue Serif, NO Collective and Triangle. The project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The project responded to the fund’s requirements to nurture the creative sector, support young people and bring more creativity to the borough for everyone to enjoy.
In a bid to make the work as visible as possible to everyone visiting Brentwood, the project will take over a retail unit in the Baytree Shopping Centre, which will be transformed into a maker space where young people will learn a range of making skills in weekly workshops. Creative Cove will also strengthen the Borough’s existing creative network through YAY Mates who will have paid opportunities to run the creative workshops. In addition, local professional creatives and young people will come together to hear inspirational talks from leading experts in creative businesses each week offering a chance for more people to learn from local and national experts.
The space will act as a shop, with regular selling events managed by young people who will lead on marketing, promotion, selling and stock control of the creative products and services. Working with New City College, a mobile market stall will be created to tour the high streets in the Borough, expanding opportunities to sell creative products across the summer months.
At the end of the project, each young person involved will have the opportunity to showcase their talents and receive mentoring to help them work out their next steps to starting a creative career.
The project will collaborate with other creative projects and organisations in the Borough working with the Brentwood Art Trail, Brentwood Theatre, Phoenix FM and the Hermit Music Club in using the space or being part of the selling events showcasing more of the creative talents in Brentwood through live performances.
The CC Collective leading the project said: “We want to make Brentwood known as a creative place. In this project we’re giving young people a free space to be creative in our borough. We’re really enjoying being part of a youth-led project that brings people together to amplify young voices.”
Matt, Natalie and Claire representing the local Creative Organisations said: “We’re delighted that this creative opportunity for young people in Brentwood has received UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is supported by the Baytree Centre. Our group of passionate young people, the CC Collective, will lead this project, but we’ll be there to support them all the way. We’re passionate about making visible the opportunities for young people to find a career in the creative industries on their doorsteps and, in turn, strengthen and collaborate with our creative sector across the Borough. This is a great opportunity for young people to take the lead and be in control of their creative futures.”
Andy Greaves, Deputy Group Curriculum Director, Creative & Digital from New City College said; “Our partnership with Creative Cove reflects New City College’s commitment to fostering creativity and entrepreneurship among young people. By taking advantage of the mentorship, business skills, and hands-on experiences in this unique project, we aim to inspire a new generation of leaders in the creative industry. It’s about more than just making products – it’s about empowering young local talent to shape their own future and contribute to a vibrant and innovative creative business community in Brentwood. We’re very grateful to Blue Serif, NO Collective and Triangle for bringing this project to life and allowing our students to be a part of the journey. We are excited to see what comes next.”
Cllr David Kendall, Chair of Finance, Assets, Investment and Recovery Committee, said, “We are very grateful for the opportunities that the UK Shared Prosperity Fund has brought to the borough. It has enabled us to fully support projects, such as the Creative Cove, which will hugely benefit local young people and creativity in Brentwood.”
There’s lots of ways for people to get involved, from volunteering to mentoring or signing up for creative workshops. For more information find Creative Cove on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn or YouTube.
