Written by Fazela Khatun, Community Engagement Assistant (STEP Internship), December 2024
In December 2024, the V&A East Youth Collective held a special event called Common Manifesto. It took place at Bow Arts and was part of our back2back programme. This programme gives young people the chance to lead, speak up, and connect with others through art.
Common Manifesto was a day full of creativity, conversation, and coming together. We worked with artist Tania Bruguera, Lucia Barsegian, and ArtVomit Studio. Together, we created a space that felt open, warm, and full of care.
There were lots of different activities throughout the day. We made plinth stands to display personal objects that were meaningful to us. We used those objects to build an installation. We also made collages by cutting and pasting images and words to tell our stories. In one corner, there was a poetry space where people could write freely. Later, the Youth Collective shared a group poem they had written together, performing it for the audience.
We also had important conversations. We asked how museums can be more welcoming to young people. We talked about identity, belonging, activism, and what it’s like growing up today. Everyone in the Youth Collective took part in leading and supporting the event. Four members stood up to share their personal stories with the room. Everything went quiet as we listened. Their words were honest, powerful, and full of truth. It was one of the most moving parts of the day.
The space was small and cosy, but full of energy. Everyone brought passion, kindness, and teamwork. We made sure everyone felt included and supported.
We also worked with filmmaker Timi Akindele-Ajani, who captured the journey of the Youth Collective. His film explores the behind the scenes of the Collective, in the early months from November 2024 to March 2025. It highlights the ideas behind the Common Manifesto, our workshop sessions, the lead-up to the V&A East pre-opening, and the important conversations we shared as a group.
This event was a first look for the Collective at what it means to run a museum event for the people especially for the people of East London. The Youth Collective showed what a museum space could be when it’s made by and for young people. A space where we are seen, represented, and understood.
As a young person of colour from a working-class background, doing a one year traineeship with V&A East, this experience meant a lot to me. Working with the team and the Youth Collective has been such a great opportunity. I’ve learned how important it is to create safe and open spaces like this, where local young people can come together, share ideas, and feel heard. This was my first time helping at an event for a major institution, and it felt inspiring to work alongside people my age who look like me and have similar experiences.
Common Manifesto was more than just an event. It was a space where young people could be themselves, speak up, and feel seen. It reminded us that we all deserve a space to belong, learning to how to take up space and we must build that space for ourselves.
