V&A East Launches Recruitment for 2027 Youth Collective: Shaping the Future of East London’s Cultural Landscape

The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) has issued an open call for the next cohort of its V&A East Youth Collective, offering a unique opportunity for young people aged 16 to 24 to directly influence the development of one of London’s most ambitious cultural projects. Residents of Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets, and Waltham Forest are being invited to apply for a transformative eight-month programme that places young voices at the center of the V&A East Museum and V&A East Storehouse operations.

As the institution continues to solidify its presence in Stratford, it is seeking a team of 12 curious, creative, and passionate individuals to collaborate with the V&A East staff and commissioned practitioners. The initiative is not merely a consultative body; it is designed as a deep-rooted collaboration aimed at redefining how museums interact with their local communities. By participating, young people will have the chance to address fundamental questions about the future of cultural spaces: What should a museum look, feel, and sound like for the next generation in East London?

An Evolving Vision for Cultural Engagement

The V&A East Youth Collective programme is scheduled to run from January to August 2027, with a consistent rhythm of engagement. Participants will be expected to attend 16 evening meetings, held on alternating Thursdays from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. These in-person sessions will serve as the primary hub for creative workshops, strategic discussions, and collaborative projects. In addition to these regular meetings, the programme will incorporate occasional weekend activities, site visits to the museum, and specialized trips to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the institution’s operations.

The curriculum of the 2027 cohort builds upon the successes and thematic foundations established by previous groups. While earlier participants focused on complex cultural pillars such as identity, memory, and belonging, the upcoming programme will expand these discussions to encompass place, access, and decolonization. A central focus for the new cohort will be the investigation of "creative wellbeing"—specifically, how the museum can embed care and support into its physical and digital environments for young audiences.

This commitment to co-production ensures that the programme remains a genuine learning exchange. Participants will not only contribute their perspectives to the institution but will also work toward the production of a tangible creative output. This project, which will be determined by the specific interests and emerging themes of the group, will eventually be made publicly available, ensuring that the collective’s work leaves a lasting mark on the museum’s public profile.

Bridging Heritage and Contemporary Culture

V&A East represents a significant expansion of the Victoria and Albert Museum, functioning as a two-part destination designed to celebrate the act of "making" and to create new possibilities for the community. The V&A East Museum, located in Stratford, is rooted in the heritage of East London while remaining focused on the voices that currently lead contemporary culture. It is intended to be a space where creativity is recognized as a powerful tool for social change.

Complementing this is the V&A East Storehouse, also situated near the Stratford Waterfront. This facility serves as a massive repository for over half a million creative works and collection objects. Unlike traditional archives, the Storehouse is designed to be publicly accessible, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of stories and historical narratives. By working within these two sites, members of the Youth Collective will gain an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at how a world-class institution preserves, interprets, and displays its vast collections.

Professional Development and Community Impact

For the successful applicants, the programme offers more than just a seat at the table. It provides a unique window into the professional landscape of the cultural sector. Participants will be mentored by commissioned practitioners, allowing them to develop their creative skills while gaining professional insight into the mechanics of museum management, exhibition design, and community engagement.

The institution emphasizes that it is looking for a cohort that reflects the rich diversity of East London. Because the role involves active contribution and collaborative output, the V&A provides payment for the time and expertise contributed by the Youth Collective members. To be eligible for this compensation, applicants must demonstrate they have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom.

The programme will officially kick off on Thursday, January 14, 2027, with the first session held at the V&A East Storehouse. The organizers have made it clear that they are looking for individuals who have the courage to share their opinions and a desire to make a meaningful difference in their local community.

How to Get Involved

The application process for the 2027 cohort opens on Friday, October 16, 2026. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the official V&A East website, where a dedicated link to the application form will go live on that date. Prospective applicants have until Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 11:59 pm to submit their interest.

For those who want to learn more before committing to the application, the museum is hosting a free, in-person event on Sunday, October 18. Taking place between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm at the V&A East Storehouse, this session will provide a deeper look at what the programme entails. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from previous cohort members and the practitioners who have helped shape the project. The event will also feature networking opportunities, risograph printmaking workshops, film screenings, and panel discussions.

The V&A East team has indicated that further information, including specific details about the practitioners who will be leading the 2027 project, will be updated on their website on October 16. In the meantime, those with specific questions regarding the application process or the programme structure are encouraged to reach out to the engagement team via email at [email protected].

By inviting local young people to take ownership of these new spaces, V&A East is attempting to ensure that its future is not just for the community, but built by it. As the deadline for applications approaches, the museum looks forward to hearing from those who are eager to place the experiences and perspectives of East London’s youth at the very heart of the V&A’s next chapter.