In Focus
In Focus Arts festival was developed with, by and for young people aged ages 11-25 in Burnley, supported By Blaze Arts and led by three paid Young Producers and one Emerging Producer, under the mentorship of Festival Director Caroline Kennedy.
The festival brought together workshops, exhibitions, performances and public‑realm events that amplified youth voice to celebrate creativity in all forms, at every level.
Across Summer 2025, In Focus transformed Burnley into a vibrant creative hub, engaging 952 young people through hands‑on workshops, artist residencies, exhibitions, open mic nights and community events.
Young Producers were recruited through an open call, and given an open brief to curate, create and deliver a festival for young people. This open offer provided useful parameters in which to create and share the things they wanted to see in the world.
Together they shaped all aspects of the festival from concept to creation and delivery, dictating themes, programme design, branding, partnerships and delivery gaining skills in project management, communication, safeguarding, environmental responsibility and event production.
The festivals engagement and outreach exceeded expectations and reach.
In total the festival provided:
72 creative workshops delivered across 16 community venues and schools.
A series of Artist‑led outreach projects, with artists selected by the young producers to develop co‑created work with a range of youth groups, community venues and educational institutions.
A major exhibition ‘ Happy Place’ at a town centre venue, attracting 151 creative responses shown locally and 11 exhibiting artists sharing their work in a town centre gallery setting (Creative Spaces 123)
Public‑realm sharing events including portrait exhibitions, large scale installations and outdoor showcases.
Youth Voice & Cultural Participation
The festival hosted a Youth Voice Conference at Burnley Mechanics, bringing young people into early planning for Burnley’s 2027 Year of Culture. Their input has helped to directly shape future cultural strategy and will continue to shape the year of Culture themes as the initiative develops into 2026.
Performance & Platforming
What started as a one-off youth‑led Open Mic Night has continued to grow rapidly - the second event attracted 50% more performers and audience members, with a third already planned due to demand.
Impact
Transformative Outcomes for Young People
90% reported improved mental health through creative activity.
95% learned a new skill or developed existing skills.
Young people who rarely engage in the arts participated through new partnerships with The King’s Trust, Burnley Youth Zone and Burnley Boys & Girls Club.
Stronger Communities & Partnerships
20 partner organisations collaborated across the festival.
100% of partners reported strengthened relationships and new opportunities.
New partnerships emerged unexpectedly, including Barnardo’s Rochdale, expanding the festival’s reach beyond Burnley.
Lasting Legacy
In Focus has already generated:
Repeat programming at Queen Street Mill.
Continued artist residencies with The Zone.
A shared artist database for Burnley’s cultural network.
New youth-led projects with Burnley Youth Zone.
Ongoing Open Mic Nights led by Young Producers.