Creative Outreach
Supporting young people through creative activities
At Bath Spa University, we run a range of free creative outreach projects supporting young people across the region.
We understand that routes into the creative industries can feel out of reach - so we're opening our doors. Through our programmes, young people can explore what it's like to study art or design, connect with working creatives, and discover the career possibilities that a creative education can unlock.
Our aim is simple: to inspire the next generation to pursue the creative paths that are right for them.
Art and Design Saturday Club
The Art and Design Saturday Club, based at our Locksbrook Campus, offers young people the opportunity to explore a wide range of art forms in a fun, inclusive, and inspiring environment.
As part of our partnership with the National Saturday Club, participants will take part in a visit to London, Masterclasses led by a top creative industry professional, and the opportunity to exhibit creative work at the National Saturday Club Summer Show – a public celebration featuring clubs from across the country.
Sessions for the 2025–2026 club year begin on Saturday 28 February 2026.
Who is it for?
13-16 year olds
What are the requirements?
This programme is open to young people with an interest in creative subjects.
What are the benefits?
Participants on this programme will get the chance to:
- Develop new skills and creative ideas
- Build confidence
- Work with professional artists and technicians
- Experience a university setting
- Gain an understanding of the range of courses and careers in the arts
Young Artists Summer Programme
This five-day programme at our Locksbrook Campus offers young people from underrepresented backgrounds the opportunity to explore a range of art forms in a fun and inspiring environment.
Young people will explore different art forms, learn new skills and discover their own style in an inclusive, welcoming and creative space. From printmaking to sculpture, they'll experiment with a variety of materials and techniques in our specialist technical workshops and studios!
The 2026 programme will take place from 27 - 31 July (10am-4pm daily).
Applications open in April.
Who is it for?
13- 16 year olds
What are the requirements?
Individuals who live or go to school in a Bath and North East Somerset;
- and have not participated in a creative summer school at Bath Spa University
AND participants must also meet one of the following criteria:
- individuals with experience of care (i.e you are currently in care, or a care leaver)
- individuals with caring responsibilities (i.e caring for others)
- individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds
- individuals who are economically disadvantaged (e.g. young people who might receive free school meals or whose parents might receive benefits towards the cost of living)
- individuals who identify as neurodivergent or disabled
- individuals from a service family background
- individuals who are refugees or seeking asylum
- individuals who are estranged from their parents
What are the benefits?
Participants on this programme will get the chance to:
- Develop new skills and creative ideas
- Build confidence
- Work with professional artists and technicians
- Experience a university setting
- Gain an understanding of the range of courses and careers.
The Value of Artists Learning Resources
Learning Resources developed by artists play a significant role in the offer galleries or museums make to their audiences either online or in print. As a free resource, they can be vital and empowering tools for the facilitators, teachers and carers that use them, helping audiences to find creative ways in to interpreting or exploring ideas, themes and concepts in unique and inspiring ways.
As part of The Value of Artists project, Bath Spa University commissioned five creatives to develop educational resources that explore the role of artists in society – showcasing the diverse career paths they follow and the many ways they contribute to our communities.
If your school or setting is based Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire, you can request resources to be sent to you free of charge while stocks last. If you are outside these areas you can download and print your free copy.
Who is it for?
These resources are aimed at schools, alternative education settings and cultural organisations to use with young people ages 10-18.
What are the benefits?
Created to explore the role of artists in society, these new resources have been designed to:
- Support pupil well-being
- Develop creative thinking skills
- Expand knowledge and understanding of creative careers
- Be inclusive and accessible to pupils with additional needs.
Access and Participation at Bath Spa University
The Access and Participation Office at Bath Spa University works collaboratively with schools, colleges and community groups in Bath and North East Somerset, Wiltshire and the surrounding regions.
We deliver a targeted and structured programme of activities for young people – from primary school age to post-16 and adults – to support their progression to higher education.
If your school, college or community group has a high number of people from groups that are recognised as under-represented in higher education and you would like to find out more, please email ap@bathspa.ac.uk.
Want to get in touch about these projects?
Contact Simone Hesselberg: s.hesselberg@bathspa.ac.uk