Coastal Catalyst

WHAT IS COASTAL CATALYST?

Coastal Catalyst brings together young people, employers, educators, cultural organisations, youth workers and local employers to create clearer, more inclusive routes into creative careers and future-focused work. We connect young people aged 14–25 with creative opportunities, workplace experiences, skills development and career pathways across the Sussex Coastal Corridor – from Bognor Regis to Bexhill.

Whether you’re a young person looking for your next opportunity, or an organisation wanting to connect with future talent, Coastal Catalyst helps make those connections happen.

Coastal Catalyst is led by Future Creators (part of Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival) and Talent Accelerator (part of De La Warr Pavilion), and underpinned by a wider strategic partnership with the RSA, the Universities of Brighton, Sussex and Chichester, East Sussex College Group, Chichester College Group, and the Careers Hubs of East Sussex, Brighton & Hove and West Sussex.

Why it matters

Creativity is one of the UK’s most valuable and fastest-growing sectors. But access to creative careers is still unequal, especially for young people facing social, economic or geographic barriers.

Coastal Catalyst exists to create a more connected and inclusive future – where young people can see pathways into work, organisations can find and nurture talent, and communities along the Sussex coast can grow through creativity, collaboration and opportunity.

We believe:

  • Creativity is a life skill
  • Young people’s voices matter
  • Connections create opportunity
  • Diverse talent makes organisations stronger
  • Collaboration achieves more than working alone

Together, we’re building visible pathways between potential and opportunity.

For Young People

Creativity isn’t just about the arts it’s about problem-solving, collaboration, communication, innovation and confidence. These are skills every industry needs.

You don’t need to have everything figured out to get started. Explore what is possible and build skills through projects, workshops and real experiences.

Through Coastal Catalyst, you can:

  • Discover creative opportunities near you
  • Gain workplace experience, commissions and paid opportunities
  • Earn digital badges that translate your skills into a work-ready digital portfolio
  • Explore resources to help you take your next steps

For Organisations and Employers

Creative industries and future-facing organisations need new audiences, diverse perspectives and adaptable skills to thrive. We know many employers want to support young people, but don’t always have the time, networks or infrastructure to make it happen. Coastal Catalyst helps bridge that gap, making collaboration easier, more visible and more impactful.

By becoming part of the Coastal Catalyst network, organisations can:

  • Connect with young audiences and emerging talent across Sussex
  • Build stronger links with education and more resilient local networks
  • Create meaningful routes into employment
  • Get inspiration and frameworks that are tried and tested

For Educators

Coastal Catalyst exists to make collaboration easier helping schools, colleges and informal learning settings connect with local opportunities, partners and resources that support student progression and aspiration. We support educators by helping bridge the gap between education and employment in the Creative Industries.

  • Access to digital badging and skills recognition
  • Signposting to opportunities, projects and experiences
  • Resources to use with young people within curriculum and enrichment activity