CAN Young Artists (CYA) is an intercultural youth arts programme for diverse young people with a focus on those from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds. It offers opportunities to co-create and share multidisciplinary work with CAN staff and Greater Manchester artists, supporting creative development, providing inclusive, meaningful access to the arts for those less likely to engage otherwise.
Our projects range from creative workshops and artist-led development sessions to performances, exhibitions, films and other public sharings. Recent work has included Melody in Motion, a multimedia performance combining live music and animation, created in partnership with The Manchester College and Trafford Creative Industries, and collaborations with artists and musicians including beatboxer SK Shlomo.
Creativity, Connection and Belonging
Many of the young people we work with are navigating significant changes in their lives. Through making and experiencing art together, young people can build friendships, confidence and connections with others. They have opportunities to share their cultures, languages and perspectives, while discovering the experiences and creativity of people from different backgrounds.
Our work is particularly focused on creating spaces where young people feel safe, welcomed, valued and able to express themselves.
Developing Young Artists
We want young people to see themselves as artists and to understand that their creativity has value.
Young people work alongside professional artists and creative practitioners, developing practical skills as well as confidence, communication, collaboration and leadership. They can take part in projects for as much or as little time as feels right for them, with opportunities to return to CAN and continue developing their creative practice.
The programme also provides opportunities for young people to experience Manchester’s cultural life, visit arts venues and festivals, meet professional artists and see creative careers in action.
Work that Matters
We believe young people have important things to say about the world around them.
CYA gives them the time, space and creative support to explore issues that matter to them – from identity and belonging to migration, culture, friendship and their hopes and dreams for the future.
The work they create can then be shared with families, friends, communities and wider audiences through performances, exhibitions and other creative events.
At Horizons Festival 2026, CAN Young Artists performed their original work alongside world-record-holding beatboxer SK Shlomo, bringing together young people from Manchester’s migrant and host communities for a major public performance. Through Without Borders, 11 young musicians from different cultural backgrounds formed a band, created music inspired by their global heritages and recorded an EP at Salford’s renowned Blueprint Studios, before launching at Band on the Wall. Their work has also been exhibited at Manchester Art Gallery, where Digital Dreams brought together three years of CYA film, photography, animation, visual art, music and performance.
CAN Young Artists is currently funded by BBC Children in Need and The Granada Foundation.
If you work with young people aged 13–20 and would like to find out about opportunities with CAN, or would like to refer a young person, please contact Michelle Udogu, Creative Producer, Children & Young People.
“I feel happy here. I feel more creative, and I feel like my voice is heard.”
Young Person, CYA, 2025
“CAN was my first family in this country. It gave me a sense of belonging when I needed it most. It opened doors to opportunities and possibilities that I may not even have been able to clearly see for myself at the time.”
Young Person, CYA, 2026
“Today’s performance left me beaming with joy. Listening to the cast’s stories and emotions through art was incredibly moving. The strength and happiness captured in the show brightened my day.”
Participant, CYA Sonic Stories Sharing, 2025
