Growing Talent, Inspiring Futures: How DLWP Supports Skills in East Sussex

At De La Warr Pavilion, we believe creativity belongs not just in our exhibitions and performances, but in our workplaces and communities. That’s why we launched Talent Accelerator, helping connect young people with the skills, opportunities, and confidence to build creative careers. Here Kim Byford, our Head of Skills, shares some of the ways we are doing this.

Young Promoters saw local young people learn first-hand how to stage live events from booking artists and marketing shows to running them on the night. For one participant, it was a turning point showing them future possibilities.

“I never thought I’d be able to organise something like this. Being part of the Young Promoters gave me confidence and made me realise I want to work in music production.”

We’ve seen the impact of Artswork Breakthrough, which supports young people facing barriers to education or employment. Maddie joined us through this programme and has since blossomed into an emerging leader as our Creative Opportunities Producer (Skills).

Behind these individual journeys is a bigger picture.

DLWP sits on the Local Skills Improvement Board and Skills East Sussex, where we co-chair the Creative, Cultural, Digital, and Media Task Force. This means we can make sure the needs of the creative industries – and opportunities for young people – are front and centre in the skills agenda. We’re also proud to be an East Sussex Careers Hub Cornerstone Employer, working with schools to bring real-world career experiences into classrooms.

And we’re not stopping at county borders. Through Coastal Catalyst, we’re linking up with partners across Sussex to build a joined-up approach to skills, culture, and opportunity along the coast. For young people, that means clearer pathways into training and jobs; for communities, it means creativity is recognised as a driver of local pride and prosperity.

Find out more about Talent Accelerator and follow them on Instagram @talentaccelerator_.

Posted by Cassandra Ash on Thursday 30 October 2025