Here at Voice we want to make a difference.
We want to help more young people from diverse backgrounds to enjoy the arts and build their skills and confidence for a creative career.
We want to challenge the finding that ‘People from privileged backgrounds are twice as likely to work in creative jobs as those from the working classes.’ Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC) 2021
Creative Pathways with Voice
Voice magazine reaches readers across the UK and beyond, offering inspiration and insights from artists and sharing creative work, reviews and opinions from young people. Our Creative Pathways programme supports young people to explore and enjoy the arts in their local area, then become arts reviewers for Voice or join our Voice Contributor network for training, mentoring, paid commissions or jobs with our team. We support young people with fewer advantages, contacts and resources to find their way into the creative industries.
Check out the model then hear from young people who have helped us develop the steps along the way.
Reach and Impact
Local Reviewers
We work with local partners to recruit young people less likely to take part in the arts and invite them to become Local Reviewers. A Voice Co-ordinator runs a series of workshops which support young people to explore the arts in their area and share their views with each other and through short reviews. Some groups combine this with achieving an Arts Award. Voice negotiates free or discounted tickets and arranges workshops and interviews with local artists and media professionals.
'It’s a great experience to build up your confidence, learn and see new things'
Holly, Local Reviewer at Blaze Arts, Burnley
'I usually hate writing but I looked up how to write reviews on the Voice website, including tips like `how did it feel to be at the event?’ and used these to interview the others in my group. Writing the reviews came easily because they were short!’
Toni, Local Reviewer at Redditch YMCA
Voice Reviewers
Young people can then progress to join the Voice Reviewers network to cover events further afield and get the opportunity to join Voice Reviewer groups covering major arts festivals, such as Edinburgh Fringe, Brighton Fringe and Manchester International Festival. Voice Reviewers get press tickets, work to Voice's reviewing guidelines and have to publish their review within 48 hours of seeing a show.
'Since joining the Voice Reviewers I have developed my creative writing style and skill in having a more critical eye'
Maya, Voice Reviewer, Worcester
'We’ve been very impressed with the quality of the reviews and would love to have a young reviewer at upcoming performances'
Marketing Officer, Theatre Severn, Shropshire
Voice Contributors
Early-career journalists can apply to join the Voice Contributor programme which offers 3-month training and work experience followed by paid commissions and other opportunities. We support 20 Voice Contributors each year, focussing on those who may not otherwise find internships and supporting them to develop strong portfolios. We also provide short placements for 10 media undergraduates, working with four universities. Many of our trainees go on to gain bursaries or jobs.
Meet Voice Contributors or sign up
'The experience and increased understanding of what it's like to be a professional journalist has definitely been the highlight for me. Before, the idea of getting published felt inaccessible to me, but during the scheme I really feel like I've improved not only my writing but also my confidence for reaching out to people when writing articles.'
Mystaya, Voice Contributor, Shrewsbury
'Getting an insight into what journalism entails, working in a professional environment which made me feel responsible about time management and learning how to use my own voice are all things I really enjoyed during my time with Voice.'
Maryam, Voice Intern, London
Young people are our best advocates. Hear about their experience of working with Voice in these soundbites or in the video below:
Annual report
Each year we produce an annual report with our accounts. Download our 2022-2023 report
Support our work
We depend on grants and donations to continue our work. Please help us to reach more young people and support their journey into the arts by becoming a Friend of Voice. Thank you!
Hear from our Contributors
Want to hear directly from our Voice Contributors? Click through to read their personal testimonies. Discover how being part of Voice has shaped their experiences and kickstarted their journeys in the creative sector.
