The Portal Trust Community Room at Young V&A

Leap then Look child playing with string 2.  Photograph Richard Dixon. Copyright: VA Museum London

The Portal Trust is delighted to announce a grant of £250,000 to Young V&A in Bethnal Green. The funds were allocated for the establishment of The Portal Trust Community Room within the new museum, aimed at increasing attendance among young people from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds in the local community.

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Part of the Victoria & Albert Museum’s family of sites, and previously known as the V&A Museum of Childhood, the institution has reopened with the new name, Young V&A, highlighting its commitment to engaging and inspiring children and young people aged 0 to 14. The Trust recognises the transformative power of art, design and culture and believes that the initiative will promote inclusivity and provide young people with opportunities to explore their creative potential.

Representatives from The Portal Trust attended the opening celebrations at Young V&A on June 28th to mark the fruition of their support before the museum opened to the public on Saturday, July 1, 2023, inviting the public to experience the revamped museum's displays and installations for the first time.

With this grant, The Portal Trust Community Room has been established within the Clore Learning Centre as a multi-purpose space for workshops, learning activities, and community events. The Centre will provide an environment where young visitors can engage with art, design and performance, participate in hands-on activities, and collaborate with others, fostering a sense of belonging and nurturing a lifelong appreciation for creativity and learning.

Young V&A's emphasis on inclusivity ensures that children and teenagers from all backgrounds have access to experiences that encourage their artistic expression and broaden their horizons. By presenting innovative displays and interactive exhibits and activities, the museum challenges traditional perceptions of what a museum can offer, providing an engaging and memorable experience for its young audience.

As Young V&A welcomes its first visitors, it is poised to become a thriving and inclusive hub of creativity and inspiration, offering young people from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds a platform to explore their interests and contribute to the cultural landscape.

Leap then Look child playing with string 2.  Photograph Richard Dixon. Copyright: VA Museum London
Image caption: Leap then Look child playing with string 2. Photograph Richard Dixon. Copyright: VA Museum London
The Portal Trust Community Room 2.  Copyright: VA Museum London
Image caption: The Portal Trust Community Room 2. Copyright: VA Museum London
Summer Festival Leap then Look 2. Photograph Richard Dixon. Copyright: VA Museum London
Image caption: Summer Festival Leap then Look 2. Photograph Richard Dixon. Copyright: VA Museum London
The Portal Trust Community Room 3. Copyright: VA Museum London
Image caption: The Portal Trust Community Room 3. Copyright: VA Museum London