Helen Hamlyn Trust Young Creators Lab
Calling all young creators! If you’re aged 18–24 and interested in the creative industries, have a passion for storytelling and creating content on social media, we have an amazing opportunity for you.
Young Creators Lab is an exciting digital content project designed for young people, by young people. Giving you a platform to develop meaningful stories for social media, explore our collections, spark new ideas and inspire conversations around the world.
Why apply?
Get creative
This is your chance to bring your content ideas to life with professional support. And you’ll have plenty to be inspired by in our collection and our exhibition Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music. Take the lead on creating content around music and identity to share on TikTok and other channels.
Kick-start your career
Across 16 sessions you’ll learn from industry leaders and experts from the worlds of social media, content production, music and more, gaining specialist skills, training and experience to power your next step.
Forge connections
Build lasting relationships with other content makers, find collaborators and expand your network, joining a global conversation.
Get exclusive access
From behind-the-scenes tours of the Library to talks from special guest curators, artists and collaborators, Young Creators Lab offers experiences you won't find anywhere else.
Designed to suit you
The programme runs from June to October with sessions on weekends and evenings to fit around your studies or work.
Inspire others
Create inspiring social media content to connect with young people all across the world, using our collection to encourage learning and conversation on global issues.
Applications are now closed
Applications have closed for the first cohort of Young Creators Lab, but we will open a second round in autumn.
Join the Helen Hamlyn Trust Young Creators Lab
Bring your creative content ideas to life with professional support. Apply today to kick-start your career and forge incredible connections!
Generously supported by
When are the sessions?
Young Creators Lab runs from June to October with sessions on weekends and evenings to fit around your studies or work. You will need to be available for the following dates:
- Welcome day: Saturday 8 June (11am–4pm)
- Thursday evenings: 13 June – 18 July (six sessions, from 6–8pm)
- Saturdays: 27 July – 24 August (five sessions, from 10am–3pm)
- Thursday evenings: 29 August – 12 September (three sessions, from 6–8pm)
- Live event (date tbc) the programme will culminate in a live event at the British Library, which our Young Creators will help curate
If you can’t make a session, please let us know when filling out your application form and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
Filling out your application
You can apply for the Helen Hamlyn Trust Young Creators Lab via our online form (available 1 May 2024).
Applications will be open from 1–26 May 2024.
The application form is designed for you to share your creative ideas, and your relevant experience. Please only fill it out once.
To help prepare, here are some of the questions we’ll ask you to cover:
- Why do you want to take part in Young Creators Lab?
- Tell us about your relevant skills, interest or experience in one of the following areas: storytelling and writing, filming and editing, presenting, social media.
- How would you explore the theme of ‘music and identity’ in a content series for TikTok?
- You’re given the keys to the British Library’s social media channels for a day. You can create and share anything you want – what do you do and why?
- How would you harness the power of social media to be a force for good?
- Can you share examples of your favourite content creators?
- Can you share examples of any content you’ve created?
If you have questions about Young Creators Lab or your application, please email Tanika.Trent-McSherry@bl.uk.
FAQs about the Young Creators Lab
Am I eligible?
To apply for Young Creators Lab, you need to be aged 18–24 when the programme starts, and be able to travel to the British Library in London for all the sessions.
The programme is designed for young people interested in the creative industry, who are passionate about social media, content creation and conversations on global issues. You don't need to be an influencer with 1,000s of followers, or a social media expert, or have lots of professional experience. What you do need are big ideas and a passion to connect with others online.
Is there a fee for taking part?
Young Creators Lab is all about building your skills and unleashing your creativity.
The skills training sessions are unpaid, however all Saturday sessions offer a fee of £70 for your time. These sessions focus on content production and are up to 5 hours long. You'll be actively involved, honing your skills, and making creative work.
You'll receive a £70 fee for each Saturday session you attend. That's a total reimbursement of £420 for the project.
In addition, you will also be reimbursed for travel expenses up to £10 per session. Just make sure to keep your receipts handy as we can't reimburse you without them.
How will I be paid?
You’ll receive payment for each Saturday session in cash, at the end of the session. Just sign the receipt to acknowledge you have received it and it’s official! It’s the same with travel costs, just present your receipts to us at each session.
Important payment information:
Although we cannot offer tax advice, it is important to note that any income received through our programme could have an impact on your financial situation. This could include tax implications or potential impacts on the benefits you receive.
- Remember, everyone’s situation is unique, so please consider seeking professional advice if you have specific questions.
- It is your responsibility to report any change in earnings to the relevant authorities and on receipt of the payments you will be asked to sign to say you acknowledge this.
- Your total fee upon taking part will be £420 and is a payment to reimburse you for your participation in activities, it is not a job or employment.
Will food and drink be provided?
Yes, refreshments will be provided at each Young Creators Lab session to keep those ideas flowing! If you are selected to take part, just let us know of any dietary requirements.