Young Curators Programme

Be curious with collections, explore local history and gain hands-on museum experience.

If you’re aged 16 – 21 and want to learn more about creative careers, get involved in the Young Curators programme. 

This Year’s Focus: Make Your Mark 

This year, we are looking for young people to help create brand-new artwork for a major exhibition that is opening at The Bowes Museum in May 2027. You will work with professional artists and explore the museum’s collection to create a collaborative piece that will go on display in the exhibition.  

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Explore themes of nature, sustainability and climate. 

Visit galleries and exhibitions for inspiration, including The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and MIMA, with transport costs supported. 

Take part in creative workshops with local printmaking artists Foundation Press. 

Design and create a collaborative installation. 

Share your ideas and respond to historic artworks in your own way. 

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN:

  • New creative and practical skills. 
  • Experience working with artists and museum professionals. 
  • Confidence in developing and sharing your ideas. 
  • A chance to meet new people and work as part of a creative team. 
  • Your work displayed in a public exhibition. 

This is your opportunity to get creative, build new skills and help shape an exhibition that connects people, art and the environment. 

ITINERARY

Date  Time  Location  Activity  
25–26 August 26  Full days  The Bowes Museum  Project launch and creative workshops   
27 August 26  Full day  Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art Exhibition visit and workshop  
24 September 26  16:30-17:30  Online/The Bowes Museum Catch-up and idea development  
28–29 October 26  Full days  The Bowes Museum Artist workshops with Foundation Press  
26 November 26  16:30-17:30  Online/The Bowes Museum Development session  
30 December 26  Full day  The Bowes Museum Creative workshop  
28 January 2716:30-17:30  Online/The Bowes Museum Development session  
25–26 February 27  Full days  MIMA/The Baltic  Gallery visits and installation planning  
8 & 15 April 27  Full days  The Bowes Museum Exhibition preparation and reflection 
Early May 27   The Bowes Museum Exhibition opens! 

INTERESTED?

To express an interest in joining the programme, please email Harriet, our Experiences and Learning Manager, on harriet.rosie@thebowesmuseum.org.uk.