Saved events

Young Creatives

Young Poets

performer wearing a black dress standing in front of a microphone inside the conservatory

Photgraphy by Aiden Harmitt-Williams

Produce fresh, raw, and relevant work in the company of others who, like you, are passionately invested in the written and spoken word.

Young Poets is an artist development initiative and community for those who wish to explore what’s possible for their poetry and creative expression. Through the programme, you’ll generate new writing, experiment with different ways of working, and refine a selection of your new work towards a publication, performance, or presentation. Young Poets is facilitated by internationally renowned poet and performer, Jacob Sam-La Rose, with special sessions from invited guest artists along the way. 

Applications for the 24/25 programme open this autumn.

Join Young Barbican

Be there when it happens with discounted access to unmissable art and entertainment as well as events and creative opportunities for 14-25 year olds
‘Barbican Young Poets has expanded my horizons of possibility…I am now more aware of what is possible…I have role models among my peers as well as my mentors.‘
Past Participant

More info

‘I feel like I’ve made friendships with the most amazing people who I respect and will collaborate with all my life.‘
Past participant

Access

  • This is a hybrid programme.
  • We strongly encourage and will support you to attend in-person as much as you can. Participation online is there when needed e.g., for mental and/or physical health conditions, disabilities, or if feeling unwell/testing positive for Covid.
  • We’ll also consider applications from people living outside of London who may need to participate solely or partly online if they’re too far away for regular travel.
  • We aim to support travel costs (usually via public transport) within the M25 circular boundary or a limited number of journeys via National Rail/coach if coming from outside of London.
  • Your ability to participate in the programme, whether in-person or online, does not affect your application. 
  • The programme takes place in step-free spaces with accessible toilets either on the same floor or one floor above/below, reached via step-free routes. There are lifts servicing all floors of the Centre where sessions take place.
  • We do not have fragrance-free areas, though do encourage people to be mindful of how strong fragrances may adversely impact others. 
  • Regular sessions are generally relaxed in nature, meaning stimming and tics are welcome, and people can leave the space if they need to. There are usually quieter spaces nearby available to use.
  • This programme is not currently BSL interpreted.

Subject to Change

photo of katie hale

Subject to Change: 'Honey' by Katie Hale

Our January poem comes from Katie Hale, as she performs her poem, 'Honey' - because what better way to interrogate a word than with a poem? Read our interview with Katie for more about her poem and how poetry can be a powerful vehicle for change.