- Who is A New Direction?
A New Direction is an award‑winning London‑based charity that creates opportunities for children and young people to unlock their creativity, shape culture and develop their creative potential. We work across education, the cultural and creative sectors to make sure all young Londoners have access to inspiring creative experiences and pathways into creative careers.
- What is A New Direction’s mission?
Our mission is to enhance the capacity and agency of children and young people in London to own their creativity, shape culture and achieve their creative potential. We do this by building partnerships, sharing knowledge, influencing change, and creating real opportunities from early years through to employment.
- Who does A New Direction support?
We support children and young people across London, particularly those who face barriers to accessing creative opportunities. We also work closely with schools, teachers, cultural organisations, creative employers, local authorities and youth‑focused organisations that support children and young people.
- What kinds of programmes do you offer?
Our work includes creative education programmes in schools, continuing professional development (CPD and masterclasses) for teachers and the cultural sector, research and sector support, and employment and skills programmes for young people. This includes initiatives such as Primary Arts, Cultural Leadership programmes, and creative career pathways that support young people into paid work, training and opportunities.
- How does A New Direction help young people find creative work?
We help young people in London access creative employment through programmes that connect them with employers, paid opportunities and tailored career support. This includes sharing paid roles (London Living Wage), training and opportunities, offering one‑to‑one advice, and working with employers to create fair and accessible routes into the creative industries. For more information, please email info@anewdirection.org.uk.
- How do you work with schools?
Schools within any London borough can get involved by taking part in our creative education programmes, accessing free or subsidised cultural opportunities, joining professional development and leadership training, and working with us to embed creativity across the curriculum. Opportunities vary throughout the year and are shared via our website and school communications. Please email schools@anewdirection.org.uk for more information if you’d like to find out more. You can also subscribe to our different e-newsletters to be kept up to date.
- Do you work with cultural organisations?
Yes. We work with a wide range of cultural, creative and arts organisations across London. This includes partnering on school programmes, supporting workforce development, sharing best practices, and helping organisations create high‑quality, inclusive opportunities for children and young people. If you’d like to work with us, please email culturalsector@anewdirection.org.uk. You can also subscribe to our different e-newsletters to be kept up to date.
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- How can young people find opportunities?
Young people can visit our website to find information about creative opportunities, including jobs, internships, events, training and career support. We regularly share paid opportunities (at London Living Wage or above) and offer guidance for young people interested in creative careers. You can find opportunities here: Good Growth Hub and Create Jobs [Jobs Board]. You can also subscribe to our different e-newsletters to be kept up to date.
- How can my organisation collaborate with A New Direction?
Organisations can collaborate with us in many ways, including delivering creative programmes, offering paid opportunities for young people, contributing expertise, or partnering on research and sector development. We are always keen to work with organisations that share our commitment to equity, creativity and meaningful opportunities for young people. Please email us on info@anewdirection.org.uk if you’d like to work with us. You can also subscribe to our different e-newsletters to be kept up to date. (embed: Subscribe to Our Newsletters
- Does A New Direction offer internships?
A New Direction supports and promotes paid internships and other entry‑level opportunities (at London Living Wage or above) through its Employment and Skills work. Internship opportunities are shared when available and are designed to be fair, paid and accessible. You can find opportunities here: Good Growth Hub and Create Jobs [Jobs Board]. You can also subscribe to our different e-newsletters to be kept up to date.
- I have a different question – how can I contact A New Direction?
You can contact us via the website or by emailing info@anewdirection.org.uk. Your query will be directed to the most appropriate team, whether it relates to schools, young people, employment or partnerships. We aim to answer all queries within 7 working days, please do not hesitate to chase us if you haven’t heard back from us.
