Zest creates space for Lincoln’s young people to hang out, get inspired, and shape the future of the city.
For one weekend only, local arts organisation, Zest Theatre, will take over St Benedict’s Square in Lincoln with The Forum – a colourful, pop-up space for young people aged 11-18 to hang out in the city centre.
Earlier this year, Zest ran schools’ workshops with 1,094 young people across Lincoln to discover what the next generation wanted from the future of the city. Through funding from Arts Council England, this research highlighted the need for more spaces for young people to safely exist and thrive across Lincoln.
This week (26 – 29 September), Zest will build upon this previous research by running further schools’ workshops, capturing the ideas of 200 young people to shape what these youth spaces should be like.
Through support from Historic England’s High Streets Heritage Action Zone Cultural Programme, in partnership with City of Lincoln Council, the young people’s ideas will then be displayed in The Forum in St Benedict’s Square on 1 and 2 October – providing a space for young people to hang out and get inspired.
Young people aged 11-18 and their families are invited to visit The Forum to meet friends and share their own ideas. Entry is free of charge and timings include:
- Saturday 1 October: 11.30am - 4pm
- Sunday 2 October: 11.30am - 3pm
Toby Ealden, Artistic Director of Zest Theatre said: “The last few years have taken their toll on young people.
“They are facing a mental health crisis and have so many unheard concerns about the future.
“Projects like this are needed more than ever to allow Lincoln’s young people to feel seen, heard, and shape the future of their city. We’ve been really inspired by the young people we’ve met across Lincoln through schools’ workshops this year.
“We hope The Forum will share some of that inspiration and enable young people to find a place to belong in their city centre.”
Cllr Neil Murray, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council added: “Events such as this are a fantastic way for young people in the city to help shape Lincoln’s future.
“We are proud to support this through Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone funding.”
