Introducing the Impact Arts Youth Collective: Creativity, Leadership and the Next Generation

The Impact Arts Youth Collective (formerly known as The Sketchy Youths) is a growing, peer-led group of young creatives aged 16–24 who are taking exciting steps towards careers in the creative industries.

Made up of eight members, with more set to join soon, the Youth Collective brings together young people who have all previously engaged with Impact Arts programmes. They are each at different stages of their journey, from school and college to starting university or exploring their next steps, including those not currently in education, employment or training. What unites them is a shared passion for creativity and a drive to develop their skills, confidence and voice.

The group has been meeting weekly with a clear goal: to design and deliver their own creative workshop. In the lead-up to this, participants have taken part in a range of artist talks, workshops and skills-based sessions.

A key milestone in this journey was delivering a series of creative workshops at the recent Impact Arts team day. Leading sessions for staff, the Youth Collective brought energy, creativity and fresh perspective. A powerful demonstration of their growth, leadership and the value of youth voice within the organisation.

Their journey has also included:

  • A visit to the Strange Exchange Library and studio space at the Barras
  • Connecting with Impact Arts Youth Trustees
  • Working towards their Participative Democracy Certificate
  • A reflective session to help shape and co-design the future of the programme

These experiences are designed not only to build creative skills, but to empower participants as leaders, collaborators and decision-makers.

The group are continuing to meet one Saturday a month for creative activities and visits to arts venues/events – with the aim of building confidence and connecting with local creative/cultural organisations and people and having fun shared experiences!

Alongside this, members of the Youth Collective will soon begin volunteering across Impact Arts programmes, gaining valuable experience while supporting others on their own creative journeys.

They had a great visit from Iceland-based artists Asrun Magnusdottir and Alexander Roberts (who are doing a residency as part of Take Me Somewhere festival) they came in to get the young people’s input as they develop new work called ‘Album’ where they will identify a music album that resonates with the population of Glasgow and then get a group of local people perform it start to finish!

They also spent time in the sunshine in The Boardwalk courtyard discussing their group values and thinking about recruiting new members, as well as a trip to the Glasgow Zine Fair!

Looking Ahead

The Youth Collective is more than a programme, it’s a space for young people to lead, influence and grow. Participants gain experience in designing and delivering workshops, from painting and digital art to podcasting and comic creation, while also helping to shape the future of Impact Arts’ work.

At its heart, the Youth Collective is about amplifying youth voice, strengthening community arts, and supporting the next generation of creative leaders.

They are looking forward to starting their volunteering within Impact Arts, taking part in a public speaking workshop and running their own workshops for our Impactful Starts and Cashback groups!

We’re incredibly proud of everything this group has achieved so far, and excited to see where their creativity takes them next.

Impact Arts is a community arts charity based in Scotland. Since 1994, we’ve been delivering creative arts and support programmes for children, young people, adults, families, and older people who are facing disadvantages or barriers to progress in life. Our mission is to tackle inequalities, address poverty, and transform lives through art and creativity.  

Every year, Volunteers’ Week shines a light on the incredible contribution volunteers make to communities across the UK. It’s a chance to recognise the time, care, skills and compassion that volunteers give so generously, and to celebrate the positive difference they make in people’s lives every single day.

At Impact Arts, volunteers are an important part of our community. Across our projects and programmes, volunteers help create welcoming spaces, support participants to grow in confidence, and bring creativity, encouragement and kindness to everything they do. For many people, volunteering is also a powerful journey of personal growth, opening doors to new opportunities, friendships and experiences.

One person who knows this first-hand is a former participant from our Impactful Parents programme, Anita, who went from joining the project for support to becoming a volunteer, and is now working within the programme itself!

From Participant to Volunteer

“I first joined Impactful Parents as a participant during a time when I was trying to rebuild my confidence and figure out my next steps,” they explained. “The support, encouragement, and sense of community I experienced made a huge difference to me personally.”

After experiencing the positive impact of the programme, volunteering felt like a natural next step.

“Volunteering felt like a way to give something back and support other parents who may be feeling the same way I once did.”

Their experience as a volunteer quickly became transformational in its own right.

“My experience has been really positive and rewarding. Through volunteering, I gained confidence, developed new skills, and met amazing people. I felt supported and valued, and it helped me believe in myself more.”

Over time, volunteering created opportunities they never expected.

“It’s been incredible to go from being a participant to now working within the programme myself.”

The Difference Volunteers Make

Volunteers bring so much more than practical support. They bring empathy, lived experience, encouragement and understanding. Often, it’s the small moments that matter most. A friendly conversation, a warm welcome, or helping someone feel seen and listened to.

“My favourite part was seeing the positive impact even small acts of support can have on someone’s day,” they shared. “I enjoyed creating a welcoming environment where people felt comfortable, listened to, and encouraged.”

Volunteers also help build the sense of community that sits at the heart of many Impact Arts projects.

“I loved being part of such a supportive and creative team where everyone genuinely wants to help others grow.”

Thinking About Volunteering?

For anyone considering volunteering for a cause they care about, their message is simple:

“Go for it, even if you feel nervous or unsure at first. Volunteering can help you grow in ways you don’t expect. It can build confidence, create connections, and give you a real sense of purpose. You never know where it might lead, for me, it became the start of a completely new journey.”

This Volunteers’ Week, we want to say a huge thank you to every volunteer who gives their time, energy and creativity to support others. Your contribution makes a real difference, and we are incredibly grateful for everything you do.

Impact Arts is a community arts charity based in Scotland. Since 1994, we’ve been delivering creative arts and support programmes for children, young people, adults, families, and older people who are facing disadvantages or barriers to progress in life. Our mission is to tackle inequalities, address poverty, and transform lives through art and creativity.