Young Cultural Leaders

March 2026 – January 2028
Part of Enfield of Dreams

A group of young creatives posing together for a picture. Overlaid image with the words "Enfield of Dreams. Young Cultural Leaders" with neon blue bubbles.

Film and Q&A with Enfield Young Creatives Network, Dugdale Arts Centre, 27 March 2025. Photo: Nat Gee.

The Young Cultural Leaders programme is a two-year leadership journey for 17 emerging creatives who want to shape the future of culture in Enfield.

Designed to support the next generation of cultural leaders, the two-year skills and development programme offers hands-on experience, expert-led training and access to influential networks. Participants will gain the confidence, skills and real-world insight needed to progress their careers in the arts and creative industries whilst making a meaningful impact in their local area.

The programme is aimed at Enfield-based young people aged 18-30 who have an interest in or are currently working in the arts and creative industries. You might already be working in the sector, volunteering, freelancing or studying, or you may be looking for an opportunity to step into cultural work for the first time.

Across 2026 and 2027, participants will take part in ten inspiring leadership workshops delivered by cultural organisations, creative freelancers and leadership specialists. These sessions are designed to be practical, engaging and directly relevant to working in the creative sector.

Young Cultural Leaders will develop skills in:

  • Curation
  • Project management
  • Budgeting and finance
  • Fundraising and income generation
  • Marketing and audience development
  • Leadership and public speaking
  • Governance

By learning directly from experienced professionals and respected organisations, participants will gain transferable skills that support long-term career development.

UP Projects are pleased to be partnering with Clore Leadership to offer training in authentic leadership exploration and national networking as part of the programme.

The programme goes beyond training, offering one to one mentoring as well as opportunities to apply learning in real-life contexts:

  • Twelve Young Cultural Leaders will be invited to take part in the Creative Clusters Projects, collaborating with established organisations and practitioners in Enfield.
  • Five Young Cultural Leaders will also contribute to the delivery of the Creative Learning Programme, gaining hands-on experience in planning and delivering creative activity.