National Saturday Club

We are part of the National Saturday Club network for 13-16-year-olds. This is a free-to-attend club where youngsters can learn new skills, discover talents and meet new people. And they can find out more about further education, higher education and rewarding careers.

The University of Derby Saturday Club mornings are for young people from Derby and Derbyshire of all abilities who have interest in creative and artistic practice.

We are running the subject strand Society and Change. Club members will explore themes such as:

• wellbeing
• city spaces
• youth voice
• freedom
• protest and justice
• race and racism
• politics
• education
• creativity
• resilience
• vibrancy
• green
• growth

And we will ask them important questions: What does it mean to be a citizen of the world? What changes do you want to see happen in Derby?  

Expert guidance

The club members will be at the centre of everything that it does. This ensures they have the best time while being hands-on as they make, curate, design, build, explore and develop their skills and have a platform for their voice. They will do this under the guidance of a fantastic range of guest practitioners and artists.

We will spend time helping them find their voice. This means helping them understand who they are and what they want to say. And we will help them develop a platform for expressing themselves both personally and collectively.

Our programme is packed with opportunities, activities and events. Club members will be encouraged to engage with the humanities and work in both traditional and innovative ways with our cultural and creative industry partners. And we will help them to develop a range of new skills and interests.  

The club encourages its members to think creatively, and to consider their place in the world – and more locally. They will work collaboratively, make friends and have a really fun time. It is all about how we can work together for brighter futures, recognising that they are the future leaders for society who can bring change.

Raising aspirations

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, says: “We are committed to raising the aspirations of young people within our city and county, opening doors to opportunities that enable them to enhance their future career prospects by developing new skills and growing in confidence. 

“By joining the National Saturday Club network, we are able to expand our provision by giving 13–16-year-olds who have an interest in creative and artistic practice a place where they can spend time exploring issues that matter to them, providing them with an outlet to be creative and a platform to have their voices heard.”

City venues and national events

Our sessions will take place predominantly at Artcore Gallery in Derby city centre, and Community Corner at Pride Park Stadium. We will also include visits to local archives, green spaces, and museums and to the University of Derby. Our 2023 sessions start on 4 March.

Club members will also be able to take part in national events. These include masterclasses with leading industry professionals and the Summer Show, where Saturday Clubs nationwide exhibit their work in a public exhibition – all for free.

You can contact our Saturday Club Manager Kirsten Whitehall at k.whitehall@derby.ac.uk or on 07769 301863.

Register your interest in joining our Saturday Club