Young people from 15 secondary schools across Greater Manchester come together in a celebration of arts and culture within education
The Speak Up Changemakers Event took place at the Lowry in Salford as part of National Theatre’s Speak Up programme
Nationwide events to culminate in Speak Up: Arts Everywhere Symposium at the National Theatre to spotlight voices and ideas of young people across the country.
On Tuesday 1st July young people from across Greater Manchester hosted The Speak Up Changemakers Event at the Lowry in Salford to celebrate their involvement in the National Theatre’s Speak Up programme.
Taking over the Lowry building for one day only, there were live performances, art installations, film screenings and interactive pieces that asked what changes they want to see in the world. Hosted by young people, for young people, the day was a celebration of arts and culture within education, highlighting the power of young people, the importance of creativity and the impact this can make.
Students from 15 local secondary schools across Salford, Wigan and Rochdale have been taking part in the Speak Up programme over the past three years. Speak Up is a secondary school programme that sees young people working in collaboration with local artists and teachers to co-create artistic responses to issues that are most important to them. The programme encourages new ways for young people to think, see and bring about change, whilst helping participants to develop self-expression, well-being and personal skills.
Throughout Speak Up, Lowry has taken over 40 local professional artists into schools to work with students, covering art forms from film and drama to visual art and photography. Young people have explored a range of topics that resonate with them, focusing on themes of self-identity, place and belonging and primarily the importance of equity of access to the arts and creative provision.
This event forms part of celebrations taking place in nine Theatre Nation Partnership areas across England, a collaborative network of arts organisations which aim to create more opportunities for people to engage with theatre.
The celebrations will culminate in the Speak Up: Arts Everywhere Symposium at the National Theatre on Thursday 24 July led by the Speak Up Council, who represent young people across England. The Symposium, open to the public to attend, will involve discussions on 4 topics and themes chosen by the Council, practical workshops that spark creativity and discussion, and display artwork created by young artists through the programme.
Kiri Grant, Head of National Partnerships at the National Theatre said, "We’re so excited to celebrate and see the Speak Up participants hard work come together in the form of their creative showcases with their local communities. The core mission of Speak Up is to uplift young voices, helping them engage with the arts, and the young people involved have been inspirational. Alongside our Theatre Nation Partnership partners, we can’t wait to welcome our national Speak Up Youth Council to the National Theatre Speak Up: Arts Everywhere Symposium in July. It’s an exciting moment to hear directly from these young people and see how their creativity sparks important conversations on the issues that matter most to them, while showcasing the powerful impact of Speak Up over the past three years.”
Ella Dufton, Speak Up Project Manager at Lowry said “The Speak Up Changemakers Event is a powerful reminder of what happens when young people are truly listened to and given the space to become creative leaders. Over the past three years we have seen students grow in confidence, creativity and ambition – making work about world issues that has impacted audiences and made real positive change within their communities.”
From 2022 to 2025 Speak Up has engaged with 140,000 young people in 55 selected secondary schools nationwide. The Theatre Nation Partnership areas taking part in Speak Up include Doncaster, Greater Manchester, Leicester, North Devon, Outer East London and South Essex, Stoke-on-Trent, Sunderland, Wakefield and Wolverhampton.
"Speak Up is almost like a big family you can always talk to and you'll be supported no matter what. I feel like I've progressed in so many ways since joining, especially in my confidence. Speak Up helps people to understand young people more and we can be heard. It is a space where everyone is listened to and cared about.” Speak Up Young Participant
“Lowry's support in providing our students with such enriching opportunities is truly appreciated. The experiences on Speak Up not only enhanced their understanding of the arts but also inspires a greater appreciation for people from different backgrounds. We are grateful for the continued commitment to fostering creativity and learning in our community.” Teacher at The Albion Academy, Salford