• Children smiling and crafting at a table with markers and art supplies.

    Collaborative

    With communities, young people and creatives at our centre.

  • Accessible

    We break down boundaries to accessing arts projects.

  • Children in costumes performing on stage with colorful face paint and props.

    Inclusive

    We create spaces for self-expression where all are welcome.

  • Collage of cyanotype prints featuring a poem titled 'MINE' and portraits. The poem addresses themes of self-ownership and confidence. The composition includes botanical imagery and a close-up portrait overlayed with text. Overall blue tint due to c

    Innovative

    We delivery high quality arts projects providing exciting new opportunities for young people.

Welcome to Elevator Arts

We support young people’s mental health and wellbeing through transformative arts and drama projects in Southend and South Essex. We create inclusive, youth-led spaces where creativity fosters resilience, confidence and a positive sense of self.

Tickets now on sale

Tickets now on sale

Promotional poster for BLAST Youth Theatre production titled 'Found' by Kate Austen, featuring an open vintage suitcase with colourful fabric scarves flying out, set against a dark background with logos of sponsors at the bottom.

BLAST Youth Theatre are excited to present their new show Found by Kate Austen - coming this summer!

Latest News
Excav8: Unearthing Time, Art, and Innovation with Southend’s Young Creatives
Excav8: Unearthing Time, Art, and Innovation with Southend’s Young Creatives

Our excav8 project is in full swing, with young people exploring time, art, and technology through inspiring sessions at Southend Museums. From ancient artefacts to modern exhibitions, they've uncovered stories and created responses using micro:bits, infrared cameras, and 3D scanning.

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Celebrating ZineLab: Creativity, Confidence & Community
Celebrating ZineLab: Creativity, Confidence & Community

We recently wrapped up an inspiring 10-week journey with ZineLab — a creative project developed in partnership with Southend Libraries and Southend City Council Young Carers. A powerful new exhibition showcasing the creativity of young carers in Southend is now open to the public.

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ZineLab: Creative Tech Project Launches
ZineLab: Creative Tech Project Launches

We’re excited to introduce Zine Lab, a brand-new creative project in partnership with Southend Libraries, designed especially for Southend Young Carers. Led by artist Connor Turansky, this innovative 10-week project invites young people to explore the world of pop-up zines with a digital twist!

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Ripple Effect: Creativity Springs Into Action
Ripple Effect: Creativity Springs Into Action

We’re feeling incredibly inspired by the creativity and passion that has emerged during the development of Ripple Effect. This term, both groups of Blast Youth Theatre have explored powerful themes of migration, acceptance, and unity, using their unique voices to share their stories.

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Sound ON: Empowering Young Lives Through Creativity
Sound ON: Empowering Young Lives Through Creativity

We’re thrilled to kick off the new year by returning to South Essex Homes’ Chaucer House with Sound ON, a project dedicated to supporting children and young people living in temporary accommodation. Through creativity and connection, Sound ON provides a vital outlet during challenging times.

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Creative Exchange: Tackling The Big Questions
Creative Exchange: Tackling The Big Questions

This November, we have successfully launched and begun delivering our new Creative Routes project, supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. Find out more about our first Creative Exchange session.

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Creative Minds: Shaping the Future of Teacher CPD
Creative Minds: Shaping the Future of Teacher CPD

This November, we have successfully launched and begun delivering our new Creative Routes project, supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. Read more about our first Creative Minds session.

Read More →
Ripple Effect: A New Theatre Project with BLAST Youth Theatre
Ripple Effect: A New Theatre Project with BLAST Youth Theatre

We’re thrilled to announce Ripple Effect, an inspiring new theatre project created by BLAST Youth Theatre and funded by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Read More →
Child smiling while looking through a cardboard tube, wearing a black hoodie.

Impact Report 2024

Find out more about the projects we’ve delivered and the impact we have made in 2024.

“Taking part made me feel happy & more confident.”

Explore our work

We design creative, youth-led projects for young people who face the greatest barriers to accessing the arts. Our mission is to support their mental health, wellbeing and personal growth through high-quality, inclusive experiences that build confidence, life skills and a strong sense of self.

A girl holding a colorful paper mache fish puppet and smiling at a school puppet show with other children holding puppets in the background.
Two teenage girls in school uniforms smiling and engaging in a friendly gesture, with one raising her index finger and the other smiling back. The background shows a whiteboard and a dark wall.
Three women sitting together in a casual setting, engaging in conversation and smiling. The woman in the foreground has her back to the camera and is wearing a black T-shirt with the logo 'ELEVATOR' on it. The other two women are facing her and are blurred in the background, enjoying the moment.

Creating a world where every young person can achieve their potential

We’d love to chat!

If you would like to work with us as a partner, collaborator or creative artist get in touch.