Big ideas, Real impact.

Blaze empowers young people to turn creativity into opportunity. Our programmes support emerging creatives to build skills, confidence and leadership, shaping a new generation of cultural changemakers.

Our work is youth‑led at every stage. Young people challenge our thinking, set our direction and co‑create projects that reflect their experiences and ambitions. Recent work includes a multi‑venue youth arts festival, heritage projects exploring people and place, and Burnley’s first queer pride event.

Through year‑round workshops, events and our annual Young Producer training, we help to support young creatives at whatever stage they’re at to reach their potential and build connections and meaningful experience within the creative sector.

Blaze is where bold ideas grow into purposeful action. 

Explore our impact reports and young people’s testimonials below.


What our young people say

  • “The workshops were engaging, constructive and fun. Building confidence is key and their delivery of that is well received. I feel more confident in my work and I thank everyone for that. I feel inspired to write and perform more. It was uplifting to share and get it out there”

    Lewis, Next Up, New Music development project 2026

  • "“This was the first time I've felt that people were really listening to what young people are saying about mental health. Creativity can play a real hand in empowering and connecting people through creative communication, thinking, problem solving and above all - creative listening."

    - Eloise, Creative Health, 2025

  • “Being a part of Beyond the Frame has helped my confidence and I've learnt what it takes to coordinate and plan an event and acquired new skills as a result.”

    -Camille - Beyond the Frame, Towneley Hall 2026

  • “For the first time, I felt seen as a disabled young creative - and supported to make work I’m proud of. Access All Areas helped me find confidence, community and a creative spark I thought I’d lost. After years of being chronically ill. I found community, creativity and a sense of belonging I’d been searching for.”

    Bee - Access all Areas, 2024

  • “Being a Young Producer with Blaze Arts has given me the opportunity to advance my skills and grow my confidence in producing. I wasn't sure what I had to contribute when I first started but, through various projects and opportunities to face new challenges, I am now confident to take these skills and continue to produce creative events and projects. I am passionate about providing opportunities for young people and Blaze Arts has given me the ability to do this. Anyone interested in how a project goes from an idea to a reality should get involved and know that you'll be supported every step of the way.”

    Tierney, Young Producer, 2026

What our partners say

“It’s not just about the art, it’s the connections made with the young people, the way the Blaze team speak to them and get to know them, it’s made them feel safe and important - they don’t get that everywhere they go.”

Manzar Iqbal, Burnley Zone Youth Worker

“In Focus Festival was our first time working in partnership with Blaze; we already have the next project, a permanent public sculpture for the town centre,  planned in!”

Nixie Edwards, HAD Architecture

“Our students LOVED the creative careers week! They have come back with so many ideas and a clearer idea of their options and choices too. Thank you so much, they have a real buzz!”

High school Teacher, Marsden Heights academy
A young person with short hair smiling and raising their hand at a DJ set-up in a dimly lit room with large windows, red walls, and string lights.
Click here to read our 2024 impact report

Impact Report 23-24

Key Highlights :

  • Access All Areas

  • Round Our Way

  • Music Or Loose it

  • Stand Out

  • Nature Calling

A group of nine diverse young adults standing outdoors, smiling and posing for a photo in front of a yellow wall and a purple building with glass doors, some wearing casual clothing and accessories.

Impact Report 22-23

Key Highlights :

  • Future Soles

  • Stand Out

  • Blaze In the Wild

  • Burnley LCEP Lead

  • IGNITE

Click here to read our 2023 report
Five young people standing in front of a bulletin board with rainbow decorations and a sign that says 'This flag has every color.' They are posing with playful expressions, some with hands in funny positions, and appear to be celebrating diversity.
Click here to read our 2022 impact report

Impact Report 21-22

Key Highlights :

  • Create Carefree

  • Blaze Campfire

  • Young Reviewers

  • Listen In Training

  • Collective Filmmaking