For the first time, Makerversity and Upgrade Yourself are partnering to offer two free one-week creative residencies for young people ages 18-30 in Fashion and Graphics & Animation, with the support of the Kusuma Trust.

Somerset House’s Upgrade Yourself programmes exist to remove barriers and increase representation in the arts and creative sector. Produced by the Inclusive Talent Engagement team, we aim to include underrepresented* young audiences, while also focusing on giving emerging talent aged 18-30 access to skills, experiences and progression routes to pursue careers in the creative sector, connecting to the Somerset House programme and resident creative community.

Across 5 days, you will deep dive into the Fashion or Graphic and Animation industries. The residency week will include hands-on practical sessions, serving as a starting point into creative and STEM fields, introducing you to design industries and diverse career paths. Led by industry professionals, you will be learning the full design process from idea to brand, exploring skills in digital design, software, marketing, production and portfolio building.

We are looking for motivated individuals with passion and creative flair. We are on a mission to nurture potential, at any stage of development. No prior experience is required, but a positive approach and willingness to learn is important!

The residency week is free of charge to participants. Reasonable travel expenses will be covered and lunch will be provided.

This opportunity is for 18-30 year olds from underrepresented backgrounds*. It is also important that you can attend all 5 days of the residency. If you identify as underrepresented, are within the age range and available for the residency dates, we’d love to hear from you!

*The Inclusive Talent Engagement team at Somerset House acknowledges that particular people are underrepresented in the creative sector. Particularly those who identify as:

Ethnically diverse and/or Global Majority

Living with a disability

Working class and/or from a lower socio-economic background**

LGBTQIA+ and/or non-binary

We also acknowledge that people face barriers in many ways not mentioned above, and we are open to hearing from anyone who considers themselves to be underrepresented in the creative sector.

**Some questions that might help define lower socio-economic background:

Were you on free school meals?

Did your parents receive income benefits for a long period?

Did your parents go to university?