Leap 42 R — **Photo:** Turner Contemporary: East Kent College students with artists Bill Leslie and Lucy Cran

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Building young people’s personal, social and creative confidence through art

The Mildred Fund supports visual art institutions to equip 13 to 19-year-olds with creative tools for them to thrive and shape their own futures.

Each year, a number of art institutions from across the UK are invited to apply for funding to develop three-year programmes for young people to improve their skills, confidence and wellbeing by working with artists.

What we do

Projects are developed in partnership with schools and community groups. In-depth research across all of our funded projects captures learning into the impact on young people of working closely on a regular basis with art, artists, galleries, museums – and each other.

Key findings

The Fund has been developed in response to issues with teenage loneliness, isolation, anxiety and pressure. Our emerging research is already indicating the strength of the projects in building the young people’s confidence and agency, and in significantly expanding their connections and creative horizons.

We have seen an increase in personal growth; development of social skills, creative skills, and an improvement in overall wellbeing.

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Photo: Kettle’s Yard: participants visit Anthony McCall: Solid Light at Tate Modern

Credit: H.J. Walker, Kettle’s Yard

About

We focus on supporting work with underserved communities. In our first year the average percentage of pupils eligible for free school meals across participating schools was 42%.

Photo: Turner Contemporary: artist Alessandro Raho with East Kent College students

Credit: John Sainsbury, courtesy Turner Contemporary

Projects

Since 2023 we have committed to supporting a limited number of art institutions over a three-year period in order that they can equip 13-19 year-olds with creative tools for them to thrive and shape their own futures.

Photo: Whitworth: Drawing as Thinking workshop

Credit: Art Works IRL (in real life) project team

Research

Our research addresses the value of visual art in targeting specific needs in underserved communities, and the vital ingredients for supporting young people to build their personal, social and creative wellbeing.

New fund launched to support visual art programmes for young people

March 2025

The Mildred Fund supports visual art institutions to build young people’s personal, social and creative confidence through art.

Credit: More Than Minutes, Claire Stringer

The Mildred Fund publishes its first set of research findings

January 2025

Findings from the Fund’s first projects reveal the development of specific personal, social and creative capabilities among young participants.

Credit: Michael Godsall

New funding partnerships announced with four UK galleries

October 2024

The Mildred Fund is delighted to announce four new grantee partners for 2024 to 2027. They are all leading galleries working in different contexts.