Curious Arts – Empowering LGBTQIA+ Youth through Music

Curious Arts began in 2016 with one simple goal: to bring LGBTQIA+ arts and culture to the North East. It all began with a small pilot festival, which made it clear that there was a huge need for spaces where LGBTQIA+ young people could express themselves and connect with others. "We knew there was a need for young LGBTQIA+ people in the North East to feel seen, heard, and supported in safe, inclusive environments—so we responded with creative opportunities," explains Phil Douglas, Curious Arts’ Executive Producer. As if to confirm it, a survey from the LGBT+ charity Just Like Us found that LGBTQIA+ young people in the North East felt the loneliest of anywhere in the country. With this in mind, Curious Arts launched Curious Youth Music with support from the Trailblazer Fund, a program that’s all about building community, encouraging expression, and giving young people a safe space to make music.

A youth-led project where young people call the shots

Curious Youth Music is all about putting young people in the driver’s seat. It’s not just a program made for them—it’s a program made by them. “We listen to the needs and wants of the young people we work with constantly,” Phil says. “Each session holds space for conversations about what they enjoyed, what needs fine-tuning, and their ideas for future sessions.” With this feedback, Curious Youth Music evolves as the young people themselves shape it, from choosing venues to picking the guest artists they want to jam with. By putting their voices at the heart of the project, Curious Arts creates a space where young people feel they can be their true selves.

How Curious Youth Music has changed lives

Curious Youth Music isn’t just about creating great music; it’s about helping young LGBTQIA+ people feel confident and valued. Phil has seen huge growth among participants, whether they’re making new friends, building confidence, or just enjoying the chance to be themselves. “Growth has come in many ways,” he says. “Some instances may seem huge, others small, but all are important in showing young LGBTQIA+ people that they matter in a world that sometimes tells them otherwise.” For some, the program has been a launchpad into studying music at college, while for others it’s been a chance to discover who they are, write lyrics that reflect their identities, and perform live for the first time. Parents and caregivers have been over the moon, too, sharing how the program has boosted their children’s mental health and well-being.

Supporting LGBTQIA+ youth in the music scene

Curious Youth Music’s success comes from building a network of support among local artists, venues, and organisations. “This project has helped us forge new connections with local artists and venues,” Phil says. “Supporting local musicians, connecting with local venues—it’s ambitious, but it feels tangible and exciting.” Local artists, including Coggin Galbreath, Martha Hill, and Azula Bandit, have become beloved mentors to the young people, inspiring them to see music as an achievable career path. Thanks to venue partners like Gosforth Civic Theatre, One Strawberry Lane, and The Cluny, participants have had the chance to perform in welcoming, inclusive spaces. Even Newcastle Pride got involved, inviting Curious Youth Music to open the main stage in 2024, where they performed for an audience of 28,000—a major moment for these young artists.

LGBTQIA+ visibility in Newcastle’s music scene

Curious Youth Music is also helping make Newcastle’s music scene more inclusive. Through local gigs and events, these young musicians are gaining visibility, and the response has been amazing. “We’ve received donations of instruments, and people regularly reach out to donate or volunteer to support the project,” Phil shares. They even hosted a fundraising gig with Generator, where Curious Arts offered LGBTQIA+ awareness training to the team, showing how the project is making waves beyond just the participants. In sharing their music, the young people are creating a ripple effect, inviting their friends, families, and communities to celebrate queer joy and explore inclusive roles within the music industry.

The future of Curious Arts: Growing beyond Newcastle

So what’s next for Curious Arts? More music, more voices, and more inclusivity. Phil is excited for what lies ahead: “The future of Youth Music activities is for the young people to decide, and for the Curious Arts team to make happen.” Plans are in the works for a new initiative, “From Tyne to Tees,” which will bring the program’s impact to Hartlepool. A pen-pal project is also in the pipeline, connecting participants across regions so they can share demos, lyrics, and stories, and ultimately come together to perform. Curious Arts’ goal is to keep creating spaces where LGBTQIA+ youth feel safe, joyful, and free to be themselves, continuing to bring positivity and community to the North East.

Curious Youth Music is proving that music can be a powerful connector for LGBTQIA+ youth, giving them a chance to share their voices, build confidence, and inspire a more inclusive future for all.

The Trailblazer Fund is currently open for applications until 22 November 2024 at 5pm. Thanks to support from Arts Council England and players of the People's Postcode Lottery for making this fund possible.

Find out more and apply now: youthmusic.org.uk/trailblazer-fund