Atseinio Young Leaders Call Out
Atseinio Young Leaders
Since 2018, Anthem has worked with youth music organisations through our Atsain Network and with young people across our various programmes and events.
As part of this work, we have identified that it is both hard for young people to gain experience working in the sector and hard for youth music organisations to offer paid opportunities and training.
Young Leaders is Anthem’s latest programme designed to support young people to build confidence, develop practical skills and gain meaningful paid experience within the Welsh youth music community.
The programme will take place across a 5 month period (starting in September 2026 and finishing in January 2027) and will offer work experience, project and event management skills sessions, tailored training opportunities and portfolio development.
5 Young Leaders will receive:
- £1400 bursary (11 hours of work p/m at the rate of £25 p/hr over a 5 month period)
- A £400 event budget to curate an event for your music community
- £500 budget for tailored training and 1:2:1 support in finding the right opportunities for you
- Monthly online sessions with Anthem
- Active participation in Anthem’s Atsain Network*
*The Atsain Network is made up of youth music organisations and young people that discuss key industry topics, share best practices and address barriers relevant to music in Wales.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be aged 18-25 or 18-30 if d/Deaf, disabled or neurodivergent
- Be based in Wales
- Have a minimum of 1 year of experience being connected with a music organisation – either working with or being a participant on projects and be able to provide a reference from said nominated music organisation (applications from those with less than 1 year of experience will be considered)
- Have ambition to work in the arts and music sector in Wales
- Be able to attend the list of essential dates listed below
Key Programme Dates
- Monday 17th August 1-2pm for programme introduction
- 5 x Mondays 1-3pm between Sept 2026 and Feb 2027 for Young Leaders meetings (21st September, 19th October, 16th November, 14th December, 18th January)
- 2 x Atsain network meetings Thursdays 10-12pm (September 10th, November 12th)
Apply
Please use the application form linked below to apply:
We welcome applications from people with a range of backgrounds, experiences, identities and communities across Wales. We especially encourage applications from young people in rural areas, Welsh language speakers and learners, under represented communities and d/Deaf, disabled or neurodivergent young people.
If you need support completing the application or require adjustments to access the process, please get in touch and we will do our best to support you. We accept video applications sent to the contact listed below.
If you have any queries or would like to submit a video application, the programme contact email is alexandra.jones@anthem.wales
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of my time will the programme take to complete?
There are 56 programme hours in total, to be spread across 5 months (September 2026 – January 2027). This works out as 11 hours per month of work and 1 hour for the introduction session. Any training you do alongside the programme will not be counted in your overall hours. The time that your training takes will vary session to session.
What are my responsibilities on the programme?
You will be responsible for attending monthly online meet cohort sessions, various tailored training of your choice and Atsain Network gatherings. As part of your portfolio, you will create an event of your choice for your music community. Your work across the programme will be reported in a logbook and you’ll be expected to feed into Anthem’s end of programme evaluation process.
What are the responsibilities of the nominated music organisation?
Many organisations struggle with capacity, so we’ve made sure to keep the organisation’s role as streamlined as possible. They will need to confirm they have read the organisation’s guidance (linked here) and offer a reference for your application. They will be responsible for setting you working tasks roughly equating to 6 hours per month. Finally, they will need to provide feedback in a short end of programme survey.
How are my working hours divided across the programme?
Your working hours will be divided between Young Leader meetings, updating your logbook, seeking training opportunities and completing work on behalf of your nominated music organisation. Any training completed won’t count towards your overall hours.
How will I be paid?
You will be contracted as a freelancer for Anthem and will be asked to invoice for your £1400 payment in installments. You are responsible for paying your own tax and National Insurance. Your £400 community event budget will be sent to you on the basis that you provide a budget summary and evidence of spend after your event. Your £500 training budget will be held by Anthem and spent on your behalf as and when required.
What kind of qualities are you looking for in the Young Leaders?
The ideal candidates will be driven by community and music. Participants must be able to work independently and collaboratively. Although support for this will be available, you’ll need to be forthcoming in seeking your own training opportunities.