Young change-makers join cultural programme to shape Rotherham's future vision

The next cohort of Children’s Capital of Culture trainees, aged 16-25, have been recruited as part of the scheme and are working with three organisations to help shape the future vision for their hometown, while gaining skills and experience in the creative industries.

Lottie Howe, Sophie Ellingham and Maria Sofragiu have all joined arts and cultural organisation FLUX Rotherham on a one-year contract as festival makers.

Professional footballer Lottie (19), from Rotherham, said: “I’d recently been made redundant, so when I saw this opportunity it was too good to miss.

“It’s nice to be given so much creative freedom and to work in a creative environment, where we’re really valued for our opinions and thoughts on what can make Rotherham better for young people like us.

“I’ve always loved going to festivals, so now getting to organise them is a real eye opener!

“I can’t wait for everything we’ve got coming up in Rotherham this year.”

The young team are currently planning a series of summer events to engage young people and marginalised groups in Rotherham, alongside experienced creative mentors who are helping them turn their ideas into reality.

Nine trainees have also joined Wentworth Woodhouse on a 14-week training programme, learning advanced digital, photography, film, editing, producing and acting skills in preparation for an immersive creative event at the Grade I listed country house later this month.

And following the success of last year’s training programme, three 2022 trainees have been recruited as engagement assistants for Rotherham Council, with increased responsibility, delivering participatory workshops and flagship projects to bring more art and culture to the borough.

Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for social inclusion, Cllr David Sheppard, said: “The ultimate goal of Children’s Capital of Culture is to support more children and young people across the borough to create a bolder, more ambitious and creative future for themselves, increasing overall pride and aspiration in our borough and nurturing a skilled young workforce that can make a real difference to Rotherham’s future.

“These are well-paid, sustainable, supported roles, paid above the Real Living Wage.

“It’s fantastic to have these young change-makers on board, sharing their incredible ideas, working with more communities to celebrate the talent and diversity of Rotherham, and giving them real skills and experience that will ultimately improve their life outcomes.

“They are an asset to our team, and their borough.”

The paid training programme has been funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Earlier this year the CCoC team held a ‘Making It Happen’ event at Gulliver’s Valley to set out the roadmap to 2025 and a manifesto for its legacy.

A FESTIVAL “packed with energy, creativity and community” is returning to the borough this    summer — and CCoC trainees will be bringing their unique take to the event.

WOW – Women of the World Festival — is back on Saturday, June 10 after organisers described last year’s inaugural event as “a riot of colour, conversation and culture”.

The free festival celebrating women, girls and non-binary people will be spread across All Saints’ Square, Minster Gardens, various venues on High Street and Imperial Buildings and feature creative workshops, performances, talks, and music.

The event is part of the worldwide WOW Festival movement, the biggest festival dedicated to women, girls and non-binary people, which to date has taken place in more than 30 locations on six continents, reaching five million people.   

Visitors are encouraged to get involved in discussions about pressing issues impacting gender equality, such as parenting and childcare, work and skills, diversity and a warm welcome, body positivity, safety, gender identity and sexuality, and mental health and wellbeing.

Throughout the day there will be an art trail, poetry workshops, acrobatic theatre, dancing and music.  

CCoC trainees Lottie Howe, Abi Cobb, Sophie Ellingham and Maria Sofragiu have been tasked with programming a special WOWsers performance for the festival.

The WOWsers have been working with local arts charity and hip-hop theatre group Rationale Arts to co-curate a performance celebrating themes of gender equality and body positivity through dance.

CCoC programme manager Sarah Christie said: “Our trainees are bringing their own unique take on WOW Rotherham this summer, co-curating a series of WOWsers events they will deliver at the festival.

“It’s a place for young people's voices to be heard, and that’s what Rotherham becoming Children's Capital of Culture is all about.

“We’re excited to bring it to life.”

Jude Kelly CBE, CEO and founder of The WOW Foundation, said: “2022’s WOW Rotherham was packed with energy, creativity and community — we’re thrilled it’s returning this summer.”

She added: “It’s imperative that young people’s voices are at the heart of the vital conversations WOW has around the world, so we’re honoured that the WOW Festival will be part of a programme of Children’s Capital of Culture taster events in the lead up to 2025.”