Our Work Experience programme gives young people aged 14 to 19 the chance to complete a two-week placement at the RWA. Delivered by our Learning and Engagement team, the programme supports young people who experience challenges in education due to SEN, offering first-hand experience of working in an art gallery and building confidence in a professional setting. 

To take part in the project young people complete an application, are shortlisted and then interviewed. This year, seven young people secured places, with parents noting that the process helped them gain valuable experience in applying for jobs and preparing for interviews. 

Freelance artist Victoria Willmott led a session to help the group plan and deliver a creative workshop with a Caribbean Elders group, whose members are aged between 80 and 90. The Elders described the workshop as therapeutic and said they loved its intergenerational nature. 

This year marks the 120th anniversary of Clifton Arts and the cohort were offered a unique opportunity to explore and research historic artworks by Clifton Arts members from the RWA Collection. 

The ‘Young Minds’ selected works that explored the themes of community, connectedness and mental wellbeing. They wrote all the interpretive labels and text panels for the exhibition and hung the artworks in the Link and Corridor spaces. The young people also promoted the exhibition, titled ‘In Harmony’, by designing and printing their own marketing materials, creating social media content and organising invitations for the Private View. 

This year, one parent shared that they thought their daughter “would not be able to do work experience”, but that the programme’s supportive approach and the “warmth of those running it” made it possible for them to attend every day and leave “feeling proud of themselves”.  

Helen Jacobs, Head of Learning and Engagement reflected that the cohort were “a privilege to work with” sharing that a “stand-out moment” was seeing their confidence increase, overcoming anxieties and pushing through worries as they led a "beautiful art activity for the Elders group”. We are extremely proud of the ‘Young Minds’ cohort and wish them all the luck in their future.  

We know our Work Experience programme has a profound impact on the young people who take part. The programme is just one way we are fostering lifelong journeys with art. You can find out more about our Learning and Engagement programme here. 

Thank you to our 2026 Supporters: 

We are grateful to Clifton Arts for sponsoring this year's Work Experience Programme and for generously sharing their time, knowledge and expertise with participating students. ‘In Harmony’ is a companion exhibition to the Clifton Arts 120 anniversary exhibition taking place at Victoria Methodist Church next door to the RWA showcasing contemporary work by current Clifton Arts members. 

We are also grateful to the Walter and Joan Hawkins Fund, administered by Quartet Community Foundation, for their support of this year's programme. Their contribution has enabled young people to take part in meaningful work experience and gain valuable insight into careers in the arts and cultural sector.