Chichester youth conference to "ignite positive change"

Focusing on three key topics – mental health and wellbeing, queer inclusion and anti-racism – the conference will provide a space where young voices can be “heard, ignite positive change and think boldly and dynamically about the future.” It will be hosted by CFT’s youth advisory board and young people from the theatre’s LEAP (Learning, Education and Participation) team.

The morning will feature presentations from three industry-leading organisations run by and/or for young people: Mental Health and Wellbeing – Natalie Watson, Children and Young People’s producer at Fluid Motion Theatre; Queer Inclusion – Ben Buratta and Barry Fitzgerald, artistic director and associate artist of Outbox Theatre; Racial Diversity discussions and anti-racist practices – Philip J Morris, artistic director of Trybe House Theatre. Breakout workshops in the afternoon will cover youth mental health; queer inclusion & allyship; anti-racism & mental health; and youth advisory board networking. There will also be the opportunity to pose questions to the featured artists and network with like-minded young people from across the country.

Isabelle Elston, CFT’s community & outreach trainee, said: “Chichester Festival Theatre’s Youth Conference is an innovative event, a day not just about, but led by, a diverse collective of youth voices. It will bring together young people and arts organisations to discuss and explore the challenges, barriers and successes young people experience today." Zoe Ellis, LEAP co-ordinator, added: “We will ask what we in the cultural sector can be doing to platform and empower these young voices and spotlight examples of work that are already achieving this. Young people, teachers, stakeholders, facilitators, those who work with the next generation, and anyone looking to be inspired today by tomorrow’s leaders, will be welcome to attend.”

Tickets for the day cost £10 and include access to all morning presentations, two afternoon workshops and a light lunch. https://www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/youth-conference