WayWORD’s Impact

WayWORD empowers young people to produce a cross-arts literary festival in Aberdeen which celebrates new work and ideas, amplifies diverse voices and breaks down barriers to culture in our community.

That means we’re not only putting on live events for you to enjoy but working with young people and partner communities to ensure the festival is achieving its aims.

Over the years we have…

  • supported 46 young people on our committees
  • showcased over 400 artists, writers, performers and practitioners
  • hosted over 17,000 audience members

We provide training and mentorship to develop young people’s professional and soft skills

Training opportunities:

  • workshop facilitation
  • writing funding applications
  • event chairing
  • audio-visual operation
  • front of house
  • evaluation
  • marketing
  • project management

Skills enhanced:

  • confidence
  • public speaking
  • organisation
  • digital marketing
  • graphic design
  • communication
  • problem solving
  • budgeting
  • working with others

Positive Destinations

Previous committee members have:

  • gone on to Further and Higher Education
  • founded a Community Interest Company
  • founded community arts groups
  • launched new cultural events
  • entered careers in creative industries
  • entered careers in youth work
  • entered careers in teaching
  • become academic researchers
  • become freelance cultural producers

They work for organisations including:

  • Abertay University
  • BBC Scotland
  • Edinburgh International Book Festival
  • Glasgow Citizen’s Theatre
  • Grampian Hospitals Art Trust
  • National Trust for Scotland
  • University of Aberdeen
  • V&A Dundee
  • WayWORD Festival
  • Young at Art, Belfast

Our committee have told us:

“I had a fantastic time at WayWORD! Everyone on the committee was so enthusiastic and welcoming, and it was so exciting meeting all the guests backstage. This was my first experience working on a literary / arts festival and I learnt so much about the wider arts world.”

“It was good experience! I simultaneously got training with teamwork and independent working!”