Places must be booked in advance, click here to book via Eventbrite.

Designed for and with young people aged 14-18, in each workshop we work with professional artists to unleash our creativity. All sessions are free and take place on the second Saturday of the month, 12-4pm.  

CYC is an invitation to think and make in new ways. It’s not like school - it’s about creative freedom, fun and self-expression. It is an inclusive and safe space for young people to be their authentic selves, make friends and be heard.   

In these sessions, you can develop your skills, produce your own artworks and collaborate on events and festivals at Wysing for other young people across Cambridgeshire to enjoy. As a CYC member, you get to help shape what happens - both in the sessions and in Wysing’s wider programme - influencing the creative direction in ways that matter to you. 

Past activities have included tie-dying our own t-shirts, lino printing handmade tarot cards, making clay sculptures, running a fantastical map making workshop, mural design and painting as part of a commissioned public artwork and co-programming Wysing’s Creative Youth Festivals.

- Let your imagination run free – have fun and experiment in exciting art projects 

- Gain hands-on experience - learn new creative skills and techniques  

- Collaborate and be mentored by professional artists to grow your creative confidence  

- Share your ideas and make new friends in a safe and supportive space 

- Get involved in co-creating projects, workshops, festivals and resources for other young people to take part in 

- Build transferable teamwork and leadership skills to support college, university or job applications. 

It is very important to Wysing that the work we do benefits those that need it the most. We want to reduce the barriers to entry for young people to attend the Creative Youth Council as much as possible. We offer: 

• Free return transport can be provided from designated pick-up points, or you can claim a £15 bursary to support your attendance. 
• Drinks and snacks are provided but you’ll need to bring your own packed lunch. 
• We want to support your access needs, so if there is anything you feel you need to participate, please get in touch.  

Who can attend? 

CYC welcomes all young people aged 14-18. We are especially committed to supporting those from disadvantaged and diverse communities - including young people who live in rural areas, receive pupil premium or free school meals, or who are disabled, neurodivergent, or have experience of mental health challenges. 

Do I need to book? 

Yes, we ask people to register for the sessions via Eventbrite.  

How can I get there? 

Free travel is provided from Cambourne, Cambridge and Huntingdon with DBS checked taxi drivers. This must be booked the Wednesday before the session.  

The taxi departs from Cambridge at 11.20am, collecting from Cambourne at 11.45am, arriving at Wysing for 12pm.  

The taxi leaves Huntingdon at 11.30pm, arriving at Wysing for 12pm.  

All the depart at 4pm and follow the same route back, arriving Cambourne at 4.15pm, Cambridge at 4.40pm and Huntingdon at 4.30pm. Timings are approximate. 

If you require transport but find it difficult to attend from these locations, please get in touch with us so we can discuss potential travel options or other ways to support your attendance. 

Wheelchair accessible transport can be provided if needed. If you require wheelchair accessible transport, please tick the box on the Eventbrite ticket checkout page and we will be in touch by email to confirm arrangements with you. Please let us know by 12 midday the Wednesday before a session, so we can make arrangements. 

How can I get the bursary to attend? 

We offer a bursary of £15 to support young people’s attendance at CYC sessions. This is open to anyone who feels this bursary will help them to attend. For example, to cover the cost of petrol to get to Wysing or help pay towards bringing a packed lunch. You will be sent information on this when you register. You will normally receive the funds within 2 weeks of attending each session. 

Please note: Attendees cannot receive the bursary offer as well as free taxi transport, please pick only one of these offers. 

 Do I need to have any experience?  

You don’t need any previous art experience to join.   

Do I need to pay for sessions?  

No, all the sessions are totally free to attend with materials and refreshments included. 

Do I need to bring lunch? 

Yes, you will need to bring a packed lunch with you. Please note there are no shops nearby.  

Snacks and drinks will be provided during the sessions. 

What do I need to wear? 

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear. We encourage you to wear clothes that you aren't worried about getting messy! Aprons will always be provided if required.  

What to expect  

Most of the sessions (unless otherwise specified) will be based at Wysing.  

In a typical session we all meet at Wysing for 12noon and spend a bit of time on introductions to the session that day and the artist we’re working with. This is a great moment to meet the rest of the group and get settled in. 

We will stop for lunch at around 1pm. People bring their own lunches but help themselves to drinks and snacks that Wysing provides.  

When lunch is over, we continue working with the artist and other CYC members on the session and create new work together. Sometimes we also head outside and explore the grounds. 

We stop at 4pm when everyone helps tidy up and heads home.  

I'm not quite 14, can I join? 

Those in school years 9 and above can join, even if they're not yet 14. 

Access Information 

Please get in touch with us to let us know if there is something you need to be able to participate in Creative Youth Council, by emailing us at info@wysingartscentre.org  

For any other questions, please email us at info@wysingartscentre.org 

This project is supported by The John Armitage Charitable Trust and Arts Council England. Previous funders include The Ragdoll Foundation and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation .