This project aims to research the educational provision and professional training available for youth in contemporary art museums, and how can these programmes enhance young people’s sense of agency and career opportunities in the creative sector. Focusing on the emergent turn in contemporary art museums across Europe towards programmes that offer young people professional training, this project will further analyse the potential of a tier-based structure when engaging with this age group, as it gives participants distinct access points into the life of museums, as well as new possibilities for their personal, social and professional development outside of formal education.

Using a participatory action research approach, the project focuses on a pilot case study to be co-developed with a group of young people and the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT) in Lisbon, and analysed in tandem with three pioneer youth programmes in Portugal (Culturgest), Spain (Museo Reina Sofia) and the UK (Tate).

Expected outcomes include a deeper understanding of young people’s sociocultural interests: their perceptions, motivations and expectations about art and museums; and of how long-term youth programmes can inform museums' future programming for this age group. The project will be strengthened by the background and professional experience of the researcher in art and museum education, alongside contribution from other disciplinary perspectives, including youth studies, through researchers at the host institution. It aims to create both academic outputs as well as material and content for public engagement and dissemination.