Celebrating five years of The New Curators Project at UCL East

Last night, UCL East hosted a very special party: the five-year anniversary of The New Curators Project, UCL Special Collections' flagship programme for young east Londoners aspiring to careers in the cultural heritage sector. The celebration brought together past and present participants, project partners, and staff to reflect on the remarkable journey of this initiative and to celebrate the community it has created. 

How it all began

The New Curators Project first launched in 2020, a partnership between UCL Special Collections and Newham Heritage Month (NHM). Its mission was clear from the outset: to open doors into the cultural heritage sector for those who might not otherwise have the chance. 

Reports from Arts Council England and the Museums Association had already highlighted persistent barriers to entry into the field; especially for those without university degrees, financial backing, or insider knowledge. The New Curators Project set out to change that by creating a financially-supported, skills-based programme tailored to 18–24 year-olds from Waltham Forest, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Newham who were not in tertiary education.  

What began as an experiment during the pandemic - its first year was delivered entirely remotely - has since become a cornerstone of Libraries, Culture, Collections and Open Science (LCCOS) outreach, embedded in UCL Special Collections’ wider strategy of access and inclusion. 

What the programme offers

Each year, ten participants join the four month programme, which runs from March to June in the UCL East Culture Lab. They receive training and hands-on experience in curation, oral history practice, public history research, digital communication, and interpretation. They also work with heritage professionals across east London, from the Tate to Tower Hamlets and Newham archives, before curating their own exhibition for Newham Heritage Month. 

The programme has always been more than just a set of workshops. Participants are paid the London Living Wage equivalent for their time, recognising that many are balancing jobs or caring responsibilities. This practical support makes it possible for young people to commit fully without sacrificing other responsibilities. At the end of it, they come out with the necessary credentials to start applying for their first roles in the heritage sector.  

Equally important is the sense of belonging the programme fosters. As one alum reflected: “The New Curators Project has changed my life, an invaluable experience. It has given me self-worth and a greater quality of life.” 

Another shared: “It’s helped build my confidence in skills related to the cultural heritage sector. I’m so happy I applied! I also think I’ve grown as an individual over the course of this project.” 

The Impact

Over the past five years, the programme has supported over 40 participants, many of whom remain in touch with staff and each other. Alumni regularly send updates on new jobs, creative projects, and study opportunities, a testament to the long term impact of the initiative. Several graduates have already gone on to secure full time permanent roles in the heritage sector with some even getting roles at the Tate.  

For UCL staff, the project has also been transformative. Outreach that once focused primarily on schools and older community groups now reaches a critical and previously underserved age bracket: 18–24 year-olds who are not in tertiary education. By working with digitised collections and then inviting participants into UCL Special Collections, the programme breaks down barriers between young people and historic archives. 

Looking Ahead 

As the cultural landscape shifts, so too will The New Curators Project. With Newham developing a new heritage centre at the old Canning Town Library, future iterations may be co-hosted between UCL East and this new space, strengthening the partnership and creating even more opportunities for east Londoners. 

A Night to Remember 

Last night’s party brought together alumni from all five cohorts, alongside staff, partners, and friends of the project. The event was a joyful reunion and a moment to reflect on how far the project has come. 

There was laughter, reminiscence, and no shortage of pride. The evening underscored the immense sense of satisfaction shared by everyone involved in delivering the project and the life-changing impact it has had on participants. 

It was, quite simply, a celebration of what can be achieved when universities, local heritage organisations, and young people come together with purpose and imagination. 

Here’s to the next five years of the New Curators Project.