Ideas Test’s, Youth Development Manager Bryony Farrant-Davis looks back at Make Waves, a programme to create new Young Producers in Medway. Make Waves was funded and supported by Creative Estuary, Medway Council, Kent County Council and Theatre 31 & Icon Theatre.
Our Make Waves programme has been running since November 2021, and over the last 10 months we’ve been proud and privileged to work with a group of local young creatives to kick start their creative careers.
The programme for 18–25-year-olds living, studying, or working in Medway is designed to support the next generation of producers, event makers and creators. The group take part in a range of informative and inspirational experiences (including skills-based workshops, trips & go-sees, mentoring, and a paid work placement with a local creative company) to open doors into the industry, help shape their personal career goals and give them the skills to achieve them.
A key part of the programme is the personal project. Each member of the group was awarded a £1000 to plan, produce & deliver a project or event which showcased their personal creative passion and producing know-how.
Over the summer of 2022, the cohort organised and ran a diverse range of activities for local people to enjoy,
including:
The group engaged people of all ages and backgrounds from across the community with amazing results. Take a look at the below infographic to see just how much they achieved: