Helen Hamlyn Trust Young Creators Lab
Sparking global conversations inspired by the British Library collection
Young Creators Lab is an exciting digital content project for 18 – 24 year olds, giving you a platform to create meaningful stories for social media, using our collection to inspire conversations around the world.
Discover stories from our first round of Young Creators Lab on our TikTok channel @britishlibrary. The programme is back in 2025, offering you the chance to take your content creation, research and filmmaking skills to the next level with professional support.
Our next cohort of creators will be exploring the theme of change-makers – the poets, authors and orators who changed the world with their words, helping to empower marginalised people. Looking at change-makers from throughout history, you’ll uncover fascinating stories from our collection and tell them in creative ways for a new generation. How will you use your voice to create change?
Why apply?
Discover a world of ideas and inspiration
As the national library of the UK we’re home to a global collection of over 170 million items, from books and manuscripts to one-of-a-kind objects, artworks, maps and sound recordings. Young Creators Lab takes you behind the scenes to explore our collection, visit our exhibitions and meet expert curators to help spark your imagination.
Ignite your creative career
Across 17 sessions you’ll learn from experts from the British Library and beyond, gaining insights into social media, filming and content production. You’ll gain specialist skills, training and experience to power your next step – and leave with an impressive portfolio.
Forge connections and conversations
You’ll join a vibrant creative community to collaborate with, build lasting relationships with other content makers and expand your network. Inspired by the Library’s incredible collection, you’ll discover powerful stories of change-makers and use your creativity to reimagine them for new audiences all over the world.
Apply for Young Creators Lab
You can apply for Young Creators Lab online. Applications will be open from 9 December – 6 January.
Join our online information session on Friday 13 December at 17.30 to meet the programme producers and ask any questions you may have to help with your application.
Young Creators Lab is generously supported by the Helen Hamlyn Trust
When are the sessions?
Young Creators Lab runs from January to April 2025 with sessions on weekends and evenings to fit around your studies or work. You will need to be available for the following dates:
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Who can apply?
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 who are passionate about social media, content creation and conversations on global issues. You don’t need to be an influencer with thousands of followers or a social media expert, but we are looking for applicants who are passionate and can showcase their creative skills in writing, presenting, content creation and filmmaking for social media.
Spaces on the programme are limited, so make sure you take time to read our supporting information and consider your answers to help you make the best application.
Filling out your application
You can apply for Young Creators Lab online. Applications will be open from 9 December – 6 January. The application form is designed for you to share your creative ideas and your relevant experience. You only need to fill it out once.
Join our free information session on Friday 13 December at 17.30 to chat with the programme producers and ask any questions you may have about applying.
- You’ll need to film a short 60 – 90 second video telling us why you would like to join Young Creators Lab. This is your chance to be creative and give your reasons for wanting to take part. We’ll also be looking to see your filming, presenting and scriptwriting skills. You can record the video using your phone and you may want to use free software like CapCut, TikTok or Instagram to edit it – though you don’t have to. You will need to submit your video before you can answer the rest of the application, so please have it ready when you apply.
- You’ll be asked to share your experience in two of the following areas: writing (this could be poetry or blog writing for example) presenting (speaking to camera or voiceover) filming and editing, social media (management and content creation), and storytelling.
- You’ll be asked to choose a change-maker that inspires you and come up with some content ideas about them for social media. A change-maker is someone who has changed the world by using their voice, talent or platform to uplift others and make a difference.
- You’ll also be asked to give examples of how you have worked collaboratively in a team, and if possible share previous examples of content you have created to showcase your work.
If you have questions about Young Creators Lab or your application, please email ypp@bl.uk
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What happens if I can’t make a session?
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. The programme involves working in pairs and small groups, so it’s important you attend as many as possible. If you can’t make more than three sessions, you may miss out on the benefits of the programme.
Do I have to live in London?
No, you don’t have to live in London to take part, as long as you are able to travel to the Library in St Pancras for the sessions. We can only cover travel reimbursement up to £10 so please bear this in mind if you’d be travelling from further away.
Is there a fee for taking part?
Young Creators Lab is free to take part in. You will be reimbursed £10 for travel expenses at each session you attend.
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 if you have any dietary requirements.