YOUNG people in Bolton are being offered the chance to explore creative careers in a new partnership between Bolton School and Bolton at Home.

The new scheme, called ‘Creatives New’ offers the chance for 12-18 year olds in the town to take part in a series of free workshops to help them explore potential creative careers.

The idea behind the scheme developed from Bolton School running a pilot project earlier this year called ‘Your Manifesto’ in partnership with Manchester International Festival.

This was deemed a success by Bolton at Home housing art officer, Gaynor Cox, who now hopes to see similar results.

She told The Bolton News: “The pilot project told us that young people in Bolton wanted to make and produce art and art events about things that are important to them, for the environments and people that are closest to them - their homes, neighbourhoods, families and friends.

“As we return to public life, we hope that this next phase sets a strong precedent for greater youth agency and representation in Bolton in both local community centres and as part of the town centre’s regeneration.”

The workshops will involve learning about jobs in the arts sector, exploring potential career paths as well as developing their own skills in the industry.

Participants will get the chance to do this by commissioning artists and producing events, just as real careers in the arts and cultural sector would require.

Creatives New will last for several months and will also see the participants visit inspirational cultural venues and events not just in Bolton and Greater Manchester but across the North of England.

The scheme is being supported by several of the leading cultural organisations in the town, as well as Bolton’s Local Cultural Education Partnership.

Applications are now open until December 10, with anyone interested in taking part needing to attend a school or college in Bolton.