Exploring civil rights through arts and creative opportunities for young people
2025 marks 60 years since the passing of the Race Relations Act, a historic moment in the UK’s fight for racial justice and equality. To mark this milestone — and as part of the wider Bristol Bus Boycott 360 celebrations — West of England Music and Arts has teamed up with Curiosity Un(Ltd) to launch YoungPeople4Change: a programme of events, resources and creative opportunities.
The programme explores civil rights history through the lens of creativity, activism and youth leadership. It has been designed for young people, educators, and schools in Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and beyond.
YouthDesigns4Change
A design contest for young artists, designers, and activists!
Children and young people in the region were asked to produce designs inspired by the power of protest to win the chance to see their work featured on the big screen in Millennium Square, Bristol. Thank you to every young person who entered – the creativity and messages behind the designs were truly inspiring!
Winners
- Age 8–11: Emily
- Age 12–15: Kayden and Robyn
- Age 16–18: Malaz
YoungPeople4Change Symposium 2025
A special event to explore the legacy of the Bristol Bus Boycott and learn how creativity can inspire fairness, equality and change. Delivered by WEMA in partnership with Curiosity Unltd and We the Curious.
Young Changemakers Classroom resources
Free resources exploring the Bristol Bus Boycott, Race Relations act and more.
We are working with Bristol University to curate a collection of free resources to help you explore the themes of activism, equality and change in your classroom, linked to the Bristol Bus Boycott, the 1965 Race Relations Act, and the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
The resource pack includes:
- Lesson ideas and discussion prompts
- Creative activities across art, drama and writing
- Background info to support your teaching
- Prompts and guidance for supporting your class to enter the YouthDesigns4Change competition
Designed for KS2–KS4, the materials can be adapted to suit your setting and subject focus. More information on these resources will be available soon. If you have any questions please contact WEMA Cultural Education Hub.