Learning Programme Young Design Museum
Ardagh Young Creatives 2022
A vibrant programme to create pathways into design for 14 – 16 year olds to experiment and imagine a better future together.
Ardagh Young Creatives
Creating pathways into design
The Design Museum recognises that the design world isn’t as visibly diverse as it should be and wants to make a positive change.
Each year, the Ardagh Young Creatives programme welcomes a group of young people aged 14-16 based in London from under-represented groups to explore all aspects of design and how it can be used to help solve issues.
Working with established and emerging designers, the group learns about design processes and methods through hands on workshops, conversations and collaboration.
FROM IDEAS TO ACTION
Participants meet mentors who guide them towards where they want to be professionally, whether that is work, education, or something else.
As a young person led project, the programme starts with what’s important to the each one in the group and how they wish to design a better future – then, we help to turn these ideas into reality.
The programme includes taking part in events, talks and workshops and culminates in a public showcase of the final projects at the Design Museum.
Find out more @ardaghyoungcreatives
#ArdaghYoungCreatives
What happened last year: 2022 Theme
This year’s theme was Progress, challenging the young people to conceptualise their hopes, imagine better futures, and apply this to their design process.
Responding to one of the most pressing issues facing young people today, the final design focuses on the progress that can be made in understanding and improving mental health.
Participants reflected on the pressures faced by their generation, as well as the impact of overstretched support systems. When thinking of solutions, the young people emphasised the importance of compassion to themselves, their peers and others.
With this in mind, they wanted their design to be a safe and accepting space, and one that encourages people to be themselves. The physical build allows visitors to respond to prompts by drawing, writing, speaking or reflecting – on their own with strangers or friends.
Below you can see a few images of the 2022 programme.
Ardagh Young Creatives 2022, photos by Justine Trickett
Annie Nicholson (Fandangoe Kid)
Annie is the lead designer for Ardagh Young Creatives 2022 programme. Navigating personal stories of loss and grief, the London based print artist and filmmaker creates large-scale, narrative-driven pieces for the public realm and seeks to smash taboos around complex subjects such as trauma release, mental health and gender constructs. She currently runs a radio show on Soho Radio, 'The Grief Mixtape', following on from her book 'Tender Hearted Bold Moves', published by Rough Trade Books. Over 3 months, Annie will guide the young people and help them make their ideas a reality, to be displayed at the Design Museum. More about Annie.
Karen Jelenje
Karen is a designer and creative practitioner with a background in architecture and urban design and experience working for the public good. Her work is rooted in community development and through her organisation Activate The City!, she explores how young people can contribute to the design and improvement of overlooked places and spaces and make an impact in their local communities. She is also passionate about using art to engage more people in tackling global challenges like climate change, especially in the built environment. Karen will guide the young people to consider sustainability in terms of materials and the impacts they can have on their final project and beyond. More about Karen
Heba Tabidi
Heba is a practicing civil engineer, DJ and creative director who explores the intersection between technicality and creativity. Heba looks to explore how functional and efficient designs can bring joy and nurture communities, particularly within spatial design and the built environment. Heba is the founder of Space Black who are a practice working in the intersection between engineering and art. Their practice is centred around the design of cities and spaces for marginalised communities. Space Black will run a workshop which will inform and inspire the young people on what it means to be in the world of Architecture. More about Space Black
Rayan Elnayal
Rayan is an architectural designer, artist and educator based in London. Her work is influenced by magic realist and futuristic narratives from Sudan, the SWANA region and its diaspora. Since graduating from the University of Greenwich, her work has been exhibited globally. Rayan has also acted as a guest critic and guest speaker on topics relevant to architectural design, digital art, and diversity. Rayan is the co-founder of Space Black, a practice working in the intersection between engineering and art and centred around the design of cities and spaces for marginalised communities.
More about Space Black
Sadie St Hilaire
Sadie is a London-based artist working across animation and illustration. They have worked with young people and children facilitating workshops since 2011. Sadie is interested in creating inclusive, creative environments and has explored this through delivering activities with several schools and cultural institutions. Their work focuses on quiet, gentle moments and reflecting on the world around them. They also run the Big Family Press, a risograph printing press for young people in East London. Sadie worked with young people to give insights into graphic design – its process, different methodologies, and inspirations.
More about Sadie @Sadsthil
See what we've been up to
The short film below was made during the 2022 programme’s final build and display week. The young people have spent the week working on a co-designed piece with designers Fandangoe Kid to highlight and platform their voices through the projects they developed during the programme.
Background illustration: Danny Sangra. Fandangoe Kid's portrait by Tara Darby. Ardagh Young Creatives 2022 photograhy by Justine Trickett