Orleans House Gallery seeks young creatives for its first Youth Collective
15 September 2026 · By Boroughly editorial — AI-assisted, human-reviewed.
Orleans House Gallery in Twickenham is inviting teenagers to help shape its programme through a brand-new initiative called the Youth Collective — and there is no audition, portfolio or selection process involved.
Anyone aged 14 to 17 is welcome to join. The free programme will meet fortnightly, giving members a behind-the-scenes role in gallery life: contributing ideas, helping to shape activities and working alongside artists and cultural professionals. The council says it is designed to build creative confidence and leadership skills, while also offering a practical look at what careers in the arts and culture sector can actually involve.
A launch event takes place on Thursday 22 October from 3.30 to 5.30pm at Orleans House Gallery — a good opportunity to meet the team, see the space and take part in some creative activities before committing to anything. Attendance at the launch is the natural starting point for anyone curious.
Orleans House is one of Richmond's most distinctive cultural venues, set in riverside gardens off Riverside, Twickenham. For young people interested in art, community or simply trying something different, the collective looks like a genuinely low-barrier way in.
Full details are on the Richmond Council website.