Learning Programme Ardagh Young Creatives

Ardagh Young Creatives 2023

A vibrant programme to create pathways into design for young people to experiment and imagine a better future together.

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 underrepresented groups to explore all aspects of design and how it can be used to help solve issues.

How does it work?

A group of up to fifteen young people work together with the museum teams and guest designers on multiple workshops, mentorship sessions and hands-on activities to learn about the design process and work on developing a collective project for the duration of the programme.

Based on design thinking principles and methods, participants invest in the development of their ideas whilst learning about the value of design.

Working with established and emerging designers, the group takes part in co-creation and collaborative workshops. At the end of the programme, the young people work on a live build showcased at the museum where their final project is celebrated and displayed to the public.

In summary, the programme gives young people the opportunity to:

· Understand pathways into creative careers

· Develop digital & hands-on skills

· Work to a brief

· Co-create a group project with industry professionals

· Meet other young people

· Add to their CV and portfolio

· Learn employability skills and receive guidance from professional mentors

2023 Facilitators

Harrison Marshall (CAUKIN Studio)

Marshall is a co-founder of CAUKIN Studio specialising in community-based architecture projects. The studio creates impact through design and architecture using their projects as a vehicle to educate and up skill local communities and international participants in design and construction. Their organisation was founded on the premise that everybody should have access to better designed and built spaces. The practice has worked on more than 50 design and construction projects worldwide, spending a combined total of more than 190,000 hours educating on site across 5 continents. Harrison has converted a skip into a tiny house in London where he currently lives as a statement in response to the rising cost of living and housing crisis.

Heba Tabidi & Rayan Elnayal (Space Black)

Space Black is a multidisciplinary creative studio founded by Black designers exploring alternative spatial futures for marginalised communities, seeking to embed design which is diverse across the design industry. Tabidi is a Civil Engineer, DJ and Creative Director who explores the intersection between technicality and creativity and how functional and efficient designs can bring joy and nurture communities, particularly within the spatial design and the built environment. Elnayal is an Architectural Designer, Artist and Educator whose work is influenced by magic realist and futuristic narratives from Sudan, the SWANA region and its diaspora. Since graduating from the University of Greenwich, Elnayal's work has been exhibited globally.

Free event

SATURDAY 10 JUNE, 11:30 – 14:30

Ardagh Young Creatives x Design Can

Are you a 14 – 21 year old interested in design? Join the Ardagh Young Creatives and Design Can for an inspiring afternoon of speed networking with creatives in the design and creative fields. This is an opportunity for young people to ask the burning questions about what it’s really like to work within design and find out more about career paths.