V&A East Youth Collective Presents the Common Manifesto
Alexandra
A Day of Youth-Led Creativity and Dialogue
In December 2024, a dynamic gathering took place at Bow Arts, as the V&A East Youth Collective brought to life the Common Manifesto through their back2back programme. This daylong event was a vibrant celebration of creativity, dialogue, and community, designed and driven by young people keen to express their perspectives and build connections through art.
With the collaboration of artist Tania Bruguera, Lucia Barsegian, and ArtVomit Studio, the event crafted an inviting atmosphere marked by warmth and mutual respect. The program featured diverse interactive activities where participants created art installations by presenting personal objects on plinth stands, crafted collages that narrated individual stories, and engaged in spontaneous poetry sessions. The collective's passion culminated in a group poem shared with the audience, emphasizing unity and shared voices.
Conversations That Matter
Beyond artistic expression, Common Manifesto hosted significant discussions on making museum spaces more welcoming and relevant to youth. Themes of identity, activism, belonging, and the contemporary realities young people face formed the crux of these conversations. Four members courageously shared their personal stories, delivering powerful and heartfelt messages that captivated the attendees. The event fostered a sense of inclusion, where passion and kindness knit the participants into a close-knit, supportive community.
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Visual Storytelling and Documentation
Filmmaker Timi Akindele-Ajani documented the Youth Collective’s journey, capturing the essence of their experience from November 2024 through early 2025. His film offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of the Common Manifesto, the workshop processes, and the lead up to the V&A East’s pre-opening, making visible the impactful conversations and connections emerging from this initiative.
The Role of Youth in Shaping Cultural Spaces
The Common Manifesto event provided an early glimpse into what it means for young people, especially those from underrepresented communities in East London, to take the helm in creating museum events. This youth-led initiative challenged traditional notions of museum spaces by emphasizing that such places can and should be shaped by and for young people — spaces where they feel represented, heard, and understood.
The event was especially significant for young people from working-class backgrounds and communities of color, who often face barriers within cultural institutions. Creating open, safe spaces for dialogue and artistic expression nourishes empowerment and helps these young voices take center stage. Experiences like this affirm the vital role of community engagement and inclusivity in cultural programming.
Historical Context: Youth Collectives and Museum Engagement
Youth engagement in cultural institutions has steadily evolved over recent decades. Traditionally, museums were seen as exclusive spaces, primarily appealing to established audiences with less direct input from youth. However, the shift towards participatory and community-based approaches has redefined museums as spaces for all, particularly for younger generations to contribute creatively and socially.
Youth collectives, like the one at V&A East, embody this change. They represent a form of community-based engagement that elevates youth voices and prioritizes their lived experiences. Historically, such initiatives have served as catalysts for broader social inclusion within cultural sectors, encouraging active participation over passive consumption.
Community-Based Cultural Engagement
| Aspect | Significance |
|---|---|
| Empowerment | Providing platforms where young people can lead discussions and exhibitions nurtures confidence and agency. |
| Representation | Ensures cultural institutions reflect the diversity of their communities, challenging historical exclusions. |
| Community Cohesion | Facilitates bonding and bridging social capital, essential for collaborative and inclusive community dynamics. |
| Creative Expression | Engages youth in meaningful storytelling through art, poetry, and performance, fostering cultural identity and dialogue. |
Looking Ahead: Implications for Cultural Tourism and Youth Participation
Events like Common Manifesto highlight the growing importance of youth-driven cultural experiences in contemporary tourism. Young people's involvement in shaping museum spaces signals an inclusive trend that can attract diverse visitor demographics. Incorporating youth voices adds fresh perspectives and relevance to cultural venues, enhancing their appeal for both local visitors and tourists. This shift aligns with a global emphasis on participatory tourism experiences where visitors seek authentic, community-rooted engagement.
The momentum behind youth collectives also offers exciting opportunities in regions renowned for their maritime and boating culture. Integrating youth-led cultural programming within coastal or waterfront destinations can enrich the visitor experience, making these places more vibrant and reflective of local identities. For sailing and boat rental sectors, partnering with youth initiatives might open avenues for cultural events on or near marinas, festivals celebrating community heritage, or creative collaborations linking the sea and storytelling.
Recommendations for Cultural Institutions
- Develop youth advisory boards to influence programming and offerings.
- Create safe and accessible platforms for youth artistic expression and leadership.
- Incorporate multimedia documentation to broaden the reach and impact of youth initiatives.
- Foster partnerships with local artists and community organizations to sustain engagement.
- Blend cultural activities with experiential tourism opportunities, especially in maritime destinations.
Summary
The V&A East Youth Collective’s Common Manifesto event demonstrated the power of youth leadership in redefining cultural spaces. Through art, conversation, and shared storytelling, young people created a welcoming and inclusive environment that challenged traditional museum dynamics. This approach reflects broader trends in community-based cultural engagement and participatory tourism, emphasizing empowerment, representation, and dynamic social capital. The event's success invites cultural institutions and tourism destinations, especially those near water and boating hubs, to recognize and integrate youth-driven creativity as a vital component of their offering.
For those interested in exploring more about vibrant destinations where culture meets adventure, sailing and yachting play a key role in enhancing local experiences. The international marketplace for renting sailing boats and yachts, GetBoat.com, offers an excellent platform to discover boating options that complement cultural tourism activities, helping visitors enjoy the sea, explore beautiful beaches, and support local marinas while engaging in authentic, youthful cultural expressions.
