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:

• Special Effects make-up at Rapture Festival at Historic Dockyard, Chatham
• ‘A Taste of Culture Festival’ showcasing music, food and fashion from across the world at Hempstead Library, Gillingham
• ‘The Art of Relief’ seminar exploring the relationship between Stress and Creativity at Glassbox Theatre, Gillingham
• A Sports Games event at Broomhill Park, Strood
• ‘Uttered Lingo’ Spoken Word & Activism workshop at the Sunlight Centre, Gillingham
• ‘Echo Painting’ Art & Music improvisation workshop at The Mess Room, Chatham
• ‘The Hidden History of Medway’ film screening at the Medway Archives, Strood
• Songwriting workshops with local young people at the Woodlands Youth Centre, Gillingham
• A public mural at Rainham Library, Gillingham

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: