Young People
We are committed to providing opportunities for young people in Brent. We support them to find their way in the creative industries and to develop new skills.
At Metroland Cultures, we’re on the side of the future.
We know that young people from our borough have enormous potential to develop creative careers and make great art and culture. But with limited opportunities to gain paid experience, they often miss out. Likewise, they might even have to leave Brent to get started.
We want to change that.
We aim to grow the next generation of creative leaders. To help them shape the creative industries in Brent and beyond.
We’re committed to investing in the future of Brent. We run paid programmes to help young people develop the skills, experience and belief they need to thrive in creative careers.
Metroland Young Associates
Metroland Young Associates is our paid alternative education programme for young people in Brent aged 18-24. It helps them set out on a creative career.
Over 12 weekly workshops, our 20 participants:
- gain industry skills and experience
- meet artists, producers and professionals
- work with an industry mentor
- collectively produce their own event
Moreover, they get paid to do all of the above, at London Living Wage.
Each year, the Metroland Young Associates programme follows the same theme as our biennial. For example, in 2023 it was called COLLECTIVE RHYTHMS, and was all about developing the future soundtrack of Brent. The programme was led by artist Shepherd Manyika and sound producer Jesse Lawson. Plus, one of our 2022 associates – Santos da Silva – became the Assistant Producer!
To see more of what our MYAs get up to, follow our Instagram, or keep your eye on the News section.
Critical Youth Network
The Critical Youth Network is about local young people shaping Metroland’s future.
The programme gives 5 young people from Brent the chance to influence the work we do and the decisions we take. Over a year, the young people are paid to work with us. They are supported to:
- develop leadership skills
- decide what issues are important to them
- understand how they can work with Metroland’s board to make change happen