National Theatre to reach 140,000 young people in Speak Up programme expansion

After a successful pilot phase from Autumn 2021, the National Theatre has announced it will expand its Speak Up programme to work with almost 140,000 young people in 55 secondary schools nationwide across the next three years. 

Responding to the current challenges in schools, Speak Up is the NT’s new national programme which unites local artists and teachers with young people who have been affected by the pandemic to co-create art. 

The programme aims to support young people to express themselves, develop their skills and wellbeing. As part of the programme, NT is collaborating with LUNG as creative associates to deliver the training of artists and teachers. 

The Mohn Westlake Foundation has donated a £3.3m grant to the project, set to provide support to areas of low arts engagement over the next three years. 

Taking place in selected schools across Doncaster, Greater Manchester, Havering, Sunderland, Wakefield and Wolverhampton, Speak Up is extending into additional areas in 2023. 

Rufus Norris, artistic director of the NT said: ‘Speak Up is a crucial part of the National Theatre’s work in levelling up, giving agency to young people nationwide whose voices often go unheard and that the Covid pandemic hit even harder. This innovative model will empower young people to share their views on current issues and put them at the heart of the creative process. 

Marit Mohn and Stian Westlake, trustees and founders of The Mohn Westlake Foundation said: ‘We understand that the pandemic has created unprecedented levels of isolation and disenfranchisement for young people. 

‘We are delighted to be extending our partnership with the National Theatre to increase access to the arts in particularly hard-hit areas of the country. By investing in young people, our leaders of the future, Speak Up will put them at the heart of the creative process, empowering them to combat these challenges, and rediscover their voice.’

Amanda Parkes, head of School at Oxclose Academy, Sunderland said: ‘Speak Up has reignited a love for group creativity that Covid decimated. Through taking part in Speak Up, our students have blossomed and learned so much about themselves and opportunities the arts offer them - and, more importantly, how valuable their voice and place in this world is. Their energy and engagement are electric and pupils have stepped up to the challenge, taken risks and found their voice.’

www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/speak-up