YMCA Youth Cresset are seeking a youth-positive visual artist to work with neurodivergent young people (ages 16–25) in designing and producing a mural for the new YMCA Community Hub at The Cresset, based in Bretton. The project, Unspoken Colours, will celebrate neurodivergent experiences, voices, and identities through creativity.
This project is delivered by YMCA Trinty Group and supported by Peterborough Presents and Arts Council England.
About the project:
Young people aged 16–25 from neurodivergent communities, including those wanting to explore their identity or who have neurodivergent family members/friends, can take part in this project.
With the artist and a YMCA Youth worker, they will explore what neurodiversity means to them, while working on the mural design.
The mural will be made in hands-on sessions at the Community Hub, led by the artist and supported by a youth worker. This group will develop confidence, community, and a feeling of ownership over the space.
This project is going to be made with Peterborough Presents, who have an Access Coordinator should you wish to chat about your own access requirements for the project.
We are looking for an artist who is:
- Experienced with and/or enthusiastic about supporting neurodivergent young people
- Confident facilitating creative workshops for all skill levels, with support from a youth worker
- Comfortable in workshops in a youth-club setting with neurodivergent young people
- Preferably someone that identifies as neurodivergent, or is part of the neurodivergent community, even if you haven’t been officially diagnosed yet
- We are looking for a visual artist who is comfortable working with the materials we have (watercolour paint, acrylic paint, stencils, mosaics, air-dry clay) or with materials that can be purchased within our materials budget
Responsibilities include:
With support from our youth team/a dedicated youth worker:
- Plan and deliver 6 2-hour creative sessions around the following
o introduction and foundational skills
o accessibility and equity
o intersectionality and lived experience
o identity and pride
o strengths and support
o mural installation - Lead 6 2-hour creative sessions with up to 15 young people (aged 16-25)
- Work collaboratively with the young people to co-design and co-create a
celebratory mural - Understanding disability inclusion and acceptance
- Represent the YMCA Trinity Group and Peterborough Presents values and ethos
Artist Fee:
- £1050 total fee
£175/half day based on 2 hours of delivery time and 2 hours of planning per session - £250 materials budget (canvas’ for display have already been purchased)
- Paid in 2 instalments (at the start and end of the project)
- Must be invoiced before end of FY 25/26
Timeline:
- Applications open Friday 19th December 2025
- Applications close Friday 16th January 2026
- Online interviews Tues/Weds 20th/21 st January 2026
- Introductory meeting with YMCA Youth Team 28th January (online)
Session delivery begins - Introductory session 6-8pm, Wednesday 4th February 2026
- 6:30-8:30pm, Wednesday 11th February 2026
- 6:30-8:30pm, Wednesday 25th February 2026
- 6:30-8:30pm, Wednesday 4th March 2026
- 6:30-8:30pm, Wednesday 11th March 2026
- Mural installation session 6:30-8:30pm, Wednesday 18th March 2026*
*We anticipate that work towards creating the mural will be done in the themed
sessions prior to the installation on the 11th
Location:
Planning for this project can be done remotely/from home or from our office at The Cresset, Bretton (PE3 8DX).
The project delivery must be done in person at the Community Hub at The Cresset (this venue is wheelchair accessible).
How to apply:
To apply you will need to upload your CV and a cover letter (no more than one side of A4), portfolio presentation, or audio/video recording (no longer than 3 minutes) outlining your relevant skills and experience for the role.
Please apply via this link: https://form.jotform.com/253492950947369
If you have any questions, or are unable to access the application form, please email jen.ramm@ymcatrinity.org.uk (or sarah.saxby@ymcatrinity.org.uk)
