QEST Youth Board visits the National Saturday Club at Somerset House

Members of the QEST Youth Board recently came together at QEST HQ for their summer meeting before visiting the National Saturday Club at Somerset House. Bringing together members from across the UK, the day offered a valuable opportunity to connect in person, share ideas and learn more about one of the country’s leading organisations supporting young people to explore creative education and careers.

Launched by QEST to ensure young voices are at the heart of the charity’s work, the Youth Board brings together individuals aged 16 to 25 from across the UK who share a passion for craft and creativity. Their diverse experiences and perspectives help inform QEST’s programmes and strategic direction, ensuring that the needs and aspirations of the next generation of makers are reflected in the charity’s work.

During the visit, Youth Board members explored the National Saturday Club Summer Show, a vibrant exhibition celebrating the creativity and achievements of more than 2,000 young people aged 13 to16 from 129 Saturday Clubs across the UK. Spanning art, design, fashion, craft, media, science and writing, the exhibition transformed Somerset House into a showcase of the ideas, imagination and innovation of the next generation. For QEST’s Youth Board, the visit highlighted the importance of creating clear pathways into craft, ensuring that young people have opportunities not only to discover creative skills but also to see a future for themselves within the sector.

By bringing together organisations committed to supporting emerging talent, the day reinforced the value of collaboration in strengthening the future of UK craft. It also demonstrated why listening to young people is so important. Their ideas, experiences and ambitions will help shape the conversations, opportunities and support that enable craft to thrive for generations to come.