Powerhouse, a small but dynamic cultural organisation rooted in rural Herefordshire will use this new funding to launch the Rural Futures Network, a creative leadership programme empowering young people across isolated communities to respond to environmental issues like the River Wye pollution crisis through theatre, film, spoken word, and digital storytelling.
Founded and co-led by 23-year-old arts activist Helen Mallett, Powerhouse was born from lived experience:
“I’m so excited to give young rural voices the creative platform they deserve. I can’t wait to see young people drive change with their ideas and creativity!”
Growing up in a rural working-class family, Helen struggled with limited access to creative opportunities. Now, she’s making sure other young people don’t face the same silence.
Through its new Rural Futures Network, Powerhouse will connect young people across Herefordshire, particularly those without transport or digital access, to explore and express their environmental concerns. By combining monthly in-person creative workshops with digital participation, the project aims to ensure geography is no longer a barrier to youth leadership.
Participants will collaborate with environmental experts and artists to create youth-led responses, including spoken word performances, documentary films, podcasts, and immersive exhibitions, bringing national attention to local voices too often left unheard.
