Art Fund Grant to Launch Young Environmental Leaders Programme

Turner Contemporary is thrilled to announce support for a Young Environmental Leaders (YELs) programme, an initiative designed to equip local primary school children with the tools to engage in environmental action and advocacy. The two-year programme will be funded with a ‘Reimagine’ grant awarded by Art Fund, that has been awarded to 20 civic museums and galleries for projects that help organisations reimagine their approach to partnerships. The YEL programme aligns with the gallery’s strengthened commitment to addressing pressing ecological issues affecting Thanet’s coastal community and beyond.

As part of its 2025 programming, Turner Contemporary is partnering with local environmental experts and renowned artists focused on promoting biodiversity and fighting climate change. Together, they aim to bring art and environmental science into the lives of young students, offering an inspiring, hands-on experience with the challenges and possibilities in combating biodiversity loss and climate impacts. This programme builds on a successful pilot from 2022 and emphasises the gallery’s role in promoting environmental awareness and action within the community.

The initiative will span two years, involving five primary schools across Thanet. Turner Contemporary and its environmental partners will guide students as they establish and lead Green Teams within their schools, working on impactful, long-term projects aimed at addressing local ecological challenges. These teams will develop strategies for sustainable practices and environmental stewardship tailored to their own communities, including specific projects that address critical issues affecting Thanet’s coastal ecosystems.

“We want to inspire young people to understand, appreciate, and protect their natural surroundings,” said Toby Parkin, Head of Learning and Participation at Turner Contemporary. “By embedding art into these conversations, we’re giving children a creative outlet to process and express their ideas on climate issues and conservation.”

The YELs programme isn’t just about education; it’s designed to empower students to become environmental advocates within their communities. By connecting with established environmental experts and renowned artists, children will gain both the knowledge and the confidence to take real action in their own schools and neighbourhoods.

One of the lasting impacts of the Young Environmental Leaders programme is its emphasis on sustainability beyond the classroom. Turner Contemporary and its partners envision this initiative as a replicable model for other coastal communities, fostering a lasting legacy of eco-conscious youth advocacy that extends well beyond Thanet.

With an innovative blend of art, science, and local engagement, the Young Environmental Leaders programme represents a hopeful step toward a sustainable future. Through this collaboration, Turner Contemporary aims to create a community more resilient and responsive to the challenges of climate change—one young leader at a time.

You can find out more about the Reimagine programme and the other museums awarded funding here.