🎨 Barkingside Art Club Creative Ambassador Programme

Creativity • Leadership • Qualifications • Community

The Creative Ambassador Programme is a unique creative leadership programme for young people who want to develop their artistic talents, build confidence, gain real work experience, and work towards nationally recognised qualifications.

Led by professional artist and educator Eliyah Qureshi and the Barkingside Art Club team, participants receive mentoring, develop professional portfolios, contribute to community projects, and become part of an inspiring network of young creative leaders.

Two Creative Pathways

🎨 Creative Ambassadors

Ages 11–16+
Saturdays | 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

A programme for young people who want to build creative confidence, develop leadership skills, gain qualifications, and prepare for future education, volunteering, and employment.

🎨 Young Studio

Ages 16–25
Saturdays | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

An advanced studio programme supporting young artists preparing for university, creative careers, exhibitions, Arts Award Gold, Duke of Edinburgh, mentoring, volunteering, and professional creative practice.

Session Fees

£20 per 2-hour session

Our professional studio is fully equipped with thousands of high-quality art materials, tools, and creative resources, giving young people the freedom to experiment, create, and develop their own artistic style.

Participants explore a wide range of creative disciplines, including:

• Drawing

• Painting

• Printmaking

• Sculpture

• Mixed Media

• Clay

• Textiles

• Illustration

• Photography

• Digital Art

• Graphic Design

• Animation

• Portfolio Development

What You'll Develop

Throughout the programme, young people develop valuable creative and professional skills, including:

• Creative thinking and problem-solving

• Leadership and teamwork

• Communication and presentation skills

• Project planning and organisation

• Digital and creative media skills

• Workshop facilitation

• Event management

• Community engagement

• Professional portfolio development

• Confidence and independence

Qualifications & Progression

Participants can work towards nationally recognised qualifications and creative pathways, including:

• Arts Award (Discover, Explore, Bronze, Silver & Gold)

• Duke of Edinburgh Award – Skills Section

• GCSE & A Level Art Portfolio Development

• College and University Portfolio Preparation

• Volunteering and Work Experience

Leadership, Volunteering & Work Experience

The Creative Ambassador Programme provides meaningful opportunities to gain practical experience while making a positive impact within the community.

Participants can:

• Complete recognised volunteering hours for school, college, university, or Duke of Edinburgh.

• Work alongside our Creative Buddies, supporting younger children and helping to create an inclusive, welcoming environment.

• Design and deliver creative workshops and community art projects.

• Support exhibitions, festivals, pop-up events, and public art programmes.

• Gain hands-on experience in event planning, project management, workshop delivery, and creative leadership.

• Build confidence, communication, teamwork, mentoring, and organisational skills.

• Create a professional portfolio showcasing both creative work and leadership achievements.

• Gain valuable work experience that supports future education, employment, and creative careers.

Young people aged 16+ may also have opportunities to take on advanced volunteering roles or paid creative opportunities when suitable projects become available.

Digital & Creative Skills

Alongside traditional art practice, participants develop valuable digital and creative skills, including:

• Digital illustration

• Photography

• Graphic design

• Animation

• Digital storytelling

• Social media content creation

• Creative marketing

• Portfolio presentation

Scholarships & Creative Access Fund

We believe every young person should have access to high-quality creative opportunities.

Scholarships and financial support are available and awarded based on:

• Regular attendance

• Commitment and enthusiasm

• Quality and development of portfolio work

• Participation in projects and exhibitions

• Leadership and volunteering

• Positive contribution to the club and wider community

Support may include reduced fees, funded places, Arts Award registration, mentoring, and materials.

Inclusive for Everyone

The programme welcomes:

• SEND young people

• Home educated learners

• Young carers

• Care-experienced young people

• Neurodivergent young people

• Any young person with a passion for creativity and learning

Everyone is encouraged to develop at their own pace in a safe, supportive, and inspiring creative environment.

Join Our Creative Community

Whether you dream of becoming an artist, designer, illustrator, photographer, educator, or creative entrepreneur—or simply want to build confidence through creativity—the Creative Ambassador Programme offers a pathway to develop your talents, gain recognised qualifications, build lifelong skills, and make a real difference in your community.

Create • Lead • Inspire • Belong