Young Curators Cymru (YCC) is a youth-led cultural programme addressing the lack of local music opportunities in rural Wales. The project empowers up to 40 young people aged 11–18 to develop the skills, confidence, and networks needed to programme, promote, and deliver live music events in their own communities. Delivered in partnership with four rural Welsh venues, participants receive practical training in music promotion, marketing, event programming, and live production.
Across an 11-month period, each group curates a series of four live music events featuring emerging Welsh musicians, with a commitment to booking at least 50% Welsh-language artists. Beyond performances, musicians often engage with participants through onstage Q&As, giving young curators insight into the music industry and professional creative practice. The project emphasizes full agency for participants, allowing them to choose which artists perform while being supported with resources such as playlists or ambassador contacts to make bookings manageable.
YCC strengthens young people’s citizenship, teamwork, and creative industry skills while fostering music interests and cultural engagement in isolated communities. It also helps build local music infrastructure by connecting venues, young people, and emerging artists, increasing access to live music in areas where opportunities are limited.
By celebrating the achievements of young curators and creating networks of musicians who understand the project’s ethos, YCC ensures sustainable engagement with music across rural Wales. It cultivates confidence, creative leadership, and a vibrant sense of community, making the programme a vital platform for both young people and local music scenes.
