Big Give: Building a Brighter Young Art Kommunity

Support our Young Art Kommunity (YAK):

At YAK, we provide an inclusive, peer-led space and programme of workshops where young people can develop skills, access mentoring, and work alongside professional artists to deliver their own exhibitions.

All donations doubled!

For one week only, between midday 18 Mar – 25 Mar, every pound you give via BigGive.org will be doubled (up to £2,500!).

Your gift can provide workshops, mentoring, and hands-on experience where young people can develop their artistic skills, grow their networks, take part in exhibitions and gain industry experience.

"It’s hard to find creative spaces especially if you are in the young adult, early 20s bracket. I think there should be more YAKs everywhere."

Beth (Age 24), YAK member

Without action today, we risk losing a generation of diverse creative voices.

Creative opportunities for young people are rapidly disappearing, leaving many isolated and unable to develop their skills, express themselves, or connect with others.

Young people from disadvantaged or underrepresented communities face the greatest challenges.

But with your help, we can change this!

Right now, we need your help to deliver a year-long programme of workshops and events at YAK that will reach more young people, helping them develop their experience, strengthen their employability, and open doors to creative careers.

Please help us create life-changing creative opportunities for young people in Colchester.

"YAK helped me be more comfortable trying new art forms and being bad at them because there’s no judgement and no pressure to be good at anything."

Moth (Age 18), YAK member

A donation of £5

Can provide art materials and refreshments for one person attending a YAK workshop.

Donate £5 between midday 18-25 Mar and The Big Give will match your gift, doubling your impact to support two young people!

A donation of £18

Can fund one young person to attend a YAK workshop.

Donate £18 between 18-25 Mar and Big Give will double it so you can help two young people gain skills, experience, and connections for a creative future.

A donation of £35

Can supply materials for a group of 15 young people attending a specialist YAK workshop

Donate £35 between 18-25 Mar and Big Give will double it – meaning your support can fund not one but two groups of young people.

Every donation, no matter the size, will make double the difference.

Your donation can make a huge difference – and from 18–25 March, every donation up to £2,500 will be matched, turning your generosity into £5,000 of support for young artists.

This means, if you give £10, we’ll get £20, if you give £20, we’ll get £40… you get the idea!

Please give what you can to help empower the next generation of creative leaders and make the Arts a space where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Unable to donate?

Spread the word and make a difference!

Tell your friends and family, share our posts, or post your own message with #BigGiveForYAK – every share helps more people see our campaign and donate!

By helping to spread the message you can also make a big difference and be part of shaping the next generation of artists and creative leaders.

"Taking part in exhibitions at Firstsite was very exciting. I had fun creating ideas and it gave me confidence in art."

Jessie (Age 22), YAK member