Activism in the arts: Co-researching cultural inequalities with young people during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This paper explores the growing influence of young people's activism in UK museums and its educational implications. It draws on a five-year collaborative programme (2019–2023) with young people of colour (16–28) in a university museum setting, focusing on a Young Collective established to address cultural inequalities. The study analyses activist co-research conducted with the Museum Young Collective during the COVID-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter mobilisation. The findings reveal that young people are actively challenging educational norms and cultural policies across various institutions. The paper explores how young people's activism can address cultural and educational inequalities through reflective and creative approaches. It advocates for developing inclusive, multicultural and anti-racist practices in both formal and informal educational settings. This research contributes to understanding the transformative potential of young people-led initiatives in museums and their broader impact on anti-racist education, social justice and social change.