Giving you a Voice in 2018

When Voice re-launched, we said we wanted to provide you with contemporary, thoughtful and provocative pieces, as well as offer a platform for you to share your own views and opinions. This year, more than any before it, we feel like we’ve succeeded in both.

By tackling specific themes such as mental health and activism we opened the doors to rich conversation about society and how we can work together to improve it. Our coverage of major arts and cultural events helped us to showcase the wide range of talent the industry has to offer, and as Youth Media Partner to Brighton Fringe we provided opportunities to the largest number of young local reviewers yet. With Brexit continuing to loom, we are giving young people a crucial voice in the debate, highlighting both the maturity of their thoughts, and the legitimacy of their concerns.

In fact, regardless of topic, we are blown away time and time again with just how talented, considered, and kind you all are. We love the community we have here on Voice, and enjoy reading every one of the 1300+ posts you upload to the site this year. We already have some great plans lined up for 2019 to further highlight the amazing array of content and opinions we host on the website, and I can’t wait to share them with you in due course.

In the meantime though, I’ve chosen some of the best content published on the website over the last 12 months. Maybe you missed some of it, or maybe you think we missed something! Why not let us know on Twitter - @voicemaguk

From all of us here at Voice, we wish you a Merry Christmas, and look forward to reading all your great content in 2019!

Tom
- Voice Editor

Mental Health

Lois Ward-Marvin spoke to us about how dance helps with anxiety and depression. A reader wrote in to talk about their battles with eating disorders, and we spoke to Julia Clements from Place2Be.

Activism

Franki mused on whether social media is creating artificial activism. We invited DPAC to guest edit the website! Nicki Carter spoke to us about how BP or Not BP uses art for activism.

Homelessness

Our latest theme looks at the growing issue of homelessness in the UK. Already we interviewed Dan Campbell, who became homeless at 16, and explored Brighton's homeless crisis.

Festivals

Voice was proud to continue our Youth Media Partnership with Brighton Fringe. We had another fantastic year at Edinburgh Fringe, and MozFest offered a cautious but optimistic view on technology.

Read more: Edinburgh Fringe | Brighton Fringe

Events

It wasn't just festivals we covered though! Emrys attended PLASA, our assistant editor Jack went to TheatreCraft, and he and Sam went to cover and contribute to Music Mark.

Careers on Voice

Careers has great advice on entering the industry, interviews with creative practitioners, and looks at the inner workings of organisations.

We have a lot of great stuff planned for the career section in 2019 to better help you find your way into a creative career, so keep your eyes peeled!

Voice's Top 10's of 2018!

We're seeing 2018 out with a bang by looking back at the best films, music, theatre, visual art creations and books of the last year. We'll also do a 2018 news round-up, which should be... fun?

Read the announcement post, and why not drop a comment on what you think should be included. And while you're waiting for the 2018 lists why not get nostalgic by reading 2017's winners!