The initiative is designed to help aspiring creatives aged 18-25 across Liverpool and New York, explore pathways into employment by connecting them with professionals from a wide range of sectors and providing valuable insight into careers within the creative industries.

At home, over the course of the week, participants in Liverpool experienced behind-the-scenes access to some of the city's most influential creative organisations. The programme began at Red Brick Market and Baltic Creative, where young people were introduced to Liverpool's thriving creative ecosystem and heard directly from entrepreneurs and businesses operating within the city's creative quarter.

The group also enjoyed a visit to Lime Pictures, where they met industry professionals and gained first-hand insight into careers in television production, content creation and the wider film and media sector. Sessions delivered in partnership with Liverpool Film Office showcased the breadth of opportunities available within the region's growing screen industry.

Participants explored Liverpool's cultural landscape through visits to Tate Liverpool and Dorothy Art Gallery, meeting creative leaders and learning more about careers within the arts and exhibitions industry. They were also given the opportunity to take a tour of the artwork and take part in interactive an interactive activity focused on creativity.

Part of the week saw the group visit British Music Experience, where they explored the story of British music through exhibits featuring original costumes, instruments and memorabilia from some of the country's most iconic artists. Afterwards a visit from The Anfield Wrap and Sony allowed the young people to learn about the broad creative opportunities across Liverpool in digital media, journalism, game development, design and production which all lend themselves to Liverpool’s thriving creative sector.

The week concluded with an immersive experience at the M&S Bank Arena, where participants met production and technical teams and gained an understanding of the planning and expertise required to deliver major live events.

Away from home, participants in New York were given access to a range of creative organisations and industry professionals across the city. The week began at independent brand and innovation agency Vault49, where young people learned about careers in design, animation, strategy and creative production, while gaining insight into the collaborative nature of agency work.

Visit to Staten Island Arts and the Maysles Documentary Centre provided an introduction to careers within the arts and documentary filmmaking, including the launch of the Creative Works Film Programme. The group also explored opportunities within the sports and community sectors through visits to Brooklyn FC and Little Caribbean, where they met creative professionals, entrepreneurs and business founders who shared their experiences and pathways available within New York's creative industries.

Reflecting on their experience, one participant said:

"This programme has given me more than I asked for and the confidence to just get out there and make connections and find a job I will love."

Deputy director at Kodansha, Akiko Kamiya said:

“I believe creativity exists in everyone, and we are constantly inspired by the individuality and imagination we see through this programme. I hope it helps young people see the creative industries as one of the possibilities for their future, and we’re very grateful to everyone who gives their time and energy to make that possible.”

Creative Works has the aim to inspire and engage with young people, helping to develop their employability skills that feed into creative careers. By connecting and collaborating with businesses and organisations with similar goals, we’re able to open doors to young people that can often feel out of reach.

Click here to find out more about the Creative Works programme.