Find Groups
The Pending Collective
The Pending Collective is BACKLIT’s collective for artists aged 16–25.
Based in Nottingham, members work with an accomplished team of artists, curators and professionals to give a voice to young people whilst making connections and skills to enrich our practices.
Shadowing and mentoring opportunities enable members to:
- Manage projects, organise events, and deliver workshops to the local community;
- Develop professional skills in marketing, curation, and more;
- Meet with studio artists at BACKLIT Gallery to learn more about their practices;
- Connect with other youth collectives to network and make new friends.
Pending Collective is now open to new members.
Please find the application form here.
Applicants must be between 16-25 years of age.
We especially welcome interest from people who are Black, Asian, Mixed or of Global Majority heritage, and/or from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Applications close early July 2026.
OUTBURST – Base51
Base51 is a charity supporting young people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
OUTBURST is there LGBTQIA+ group in Nottingham for 11-21 year olds.
Free to attend, no need to book, just show up!
They meet at Carousel, every Wednesday at 4pm-7pm.
If you’re feeling nervous, you can email them beforehand and they can meet you first and show you around! Here to be your safe space. A place to be yourself where you can let your Pride flag fly!
Email: [email protected]
Amplify: Artist Development
Whether you’re fresh out of education, early in your career, or someone who has been making professional work for several years, we want to be there for you. We are committed to developing a network where ideas can be shared, challenged and grown.
Throughout the year, we create opportunities and host events to help professional artists develop skills, showcase work and connect with other artists. These include our quarterly AMPLIFY:SEASONS events, scratch nights, networking events, masterclasses, co-working opportunities and one to one mentoring and guidance sessions.
YOUth at the National Justice Museum
Make new friends, create and explore.
Free Monthly Youth Group for aged 11-17 years old.
Explore the museum, participate in creative activities, meet new people and learn about the collection of objects housed at the Museum.
Sessions will be led by museum team members, artists, makers and writers and are open to young people with different levels of creative or heritage interest.
- The 4th Saturday of the Month
- 11:30 am to 2pm
- Lunch Included
Places are capped at 20 participants, so details for further information can be obtained by contacting the Museum.
Playhouse: Theatre Groups
Nottingham Playhouse have a variety of groups for young creatives.
From theatre to art, spoken word to being on the youth board and gaining work experience. There’s something for everyone regardless of background or ability.
Playhouse are committed to helping those aged 16+ develop skills which will help them pursue their passion in the arts industry.
Young People & 1525 Collective
Nottingham Contemporary’s programme for 15–25 year olds is for anyone wanting to be creative, gain experiences, take part in social events or get your voice heard about the things that matter.
It usually takes places at Contemporary at 5pm on a Wednesday.
Get in touch with Chan, Young People’s Programmer on 0115 948 9750 or email [email protected]
Register to be a member of 1525 Collective HERE
Nottingham Music Hub: Robin Hood Youth Orchestra
RHYO plays a diverse range of music from classical to film to jazz. For 11-19 year olds in Nottingham City who can play their instruments to around Grade 4+.
RHYO rehearses every Saturday morning from 9 am- 12.30 pm during term-time at Labes House, 4 Waterway Street West, Nottingham, NG2 1N
Get in touch with [email protected]
Circle of Light 6
Circle of Light is an award winning grassroots creative community of young people who are using their skills and personal experiences to reimagine the future of the music industry. Funded by Youth Music, they collaborate to make cool music, put on awesome events and support each other. With the support of industry professionals they are making the music industry more accessible and more inclusive. Soon to be launching their 6th album on the 10th October 2026!
Backlit Gallery: Pending Collective
Pending Collective is a group of emerging artists aged 16-25 hosted by BACKLIT, focused on creating projects and events in Nottingham to encourage connection to the local culture and community. Including students and soon-to-be graduates, Pending Collective artists find a home in Nottingham and are in pursuit of enriching themselves and others through the creative process.
Joining will allow you to join meetings, and these take place every month and provide an opportunity for young people to network, make new friendships, and work with BACKLIT Staff to produce creative projects of their own. You will partake in artist workshops every month led by BACKLIT Studio and Associate artists, providing an opportunity for young people to work directly alongside an artist. Find out about the artistic practice and develop new skills. Pending Collective produces a range of creative projects within the local community to support young people to engage with the arts and try something new.
Nonsuch
Nonsuch have moved from their studio space but they are still committed to creating amazing opportunities for young performers and producers. Now based at Broadway Cinema, Nonsuch organise regular sessions and work with schools and communities across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Check out their website for news and events to get involved.
City Arts: Puppet Club
City Arts’ Puppet Club is a group of artists who use puppetry as part of their practice, either as makers or performers. It is peer-led, members support each other to grow as artists. It is a place to share new ideas and techniques. The club is a great way to meet other puppeteers and designers in the East Midlands.
We would love to meet with you and find out what you do!
If you’d like to get involved fill out the form below, and we will be in touch soon. Join us at our next open meeting.
The Wolfpack Project
Founded in 2019 by Damien Reynolds; The Wolfpack Project was established to combat the substantial, growing issue of youth loneliness as a serious public-health problem of our time. As a result of his own experience of loneliness, Damien set up the charity in his hometown of Nottingham.
Greenway Centre: SEND Project
SEND is a community arts organisation based in Sneinton, Nottingham, providing workshops, courses and bespoke projects to young people and vulnerable adults across the East Midlands via outreach work, or through projects run from their modern studio facility at the Greenway Centre. Regular youth sessions in Sneinton.
BFI Film Academy at Broadway
If you’re 16 to 25 and want to learn about the makings of film or want to work in the industry, then Broadway’s BFI Film Academy can help!
In partnership with the BFI, Broadway’s BFI Film Academy offers opportunities for 16-25s in Nottingham and the East Midlands to get to know more about film and how to make a career in the screen industries.
Through the BFI, Broadway provides a range of accessible activities, courses, workshops, and events offer opportunities for those wanting to test the water through to those keen to hone their skills.
Writing East Midlands: Free Creative Writing Groups
National Justice Museum (online attendance optional) Ages 10-18 Weekday evenings or Saturdays FREE
Writing East Midlands young writers’ groups are fun, friendly and full of like-minded writers. They meet monthly, receive support and guidance, enter (and win) competitions, take part in literary events, and make friends with lots of other writerly types.
CRS: Sound Machine/Youth Music
Sound Machine is a group dedicated to developing musical skills & creativity. It consists of workshops, live performances, training courses and work experience placements.
