Create. Collaborate. Shape the Future of Heritage.

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The Museum of Watford’s "Museum Next Gen" is a 9‑month paid-bursary programme designed for 18–25 year olds who want to do more than observe the museum world, they want to help shape it.

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Beginning in April 2026, this free opportunity offers up to eight young adults hands-on experience across the cultural heritage sector, including museums, galleries, archives, libraries, and arts organisations. If you’re a creative thinker with a passion for history, culture, or storytelling, this is a space to develop your voice and ideas.

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Whether museums feel familiar or completely new to you, you are welcome here.

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What’s in it for you? 

• Upskill: Access practical training in curation, collections care, exhibition planning, visitor experience, and public engagement

• Receive a bursary: Participants who attend at least 80% of sessions will receive a bursary to support their involvement.

• Build your portfolio: Complete two high-quality projects to add to your CV—ideal for anyone considering a career in culture, heritage, or the arts.

• Gain hands-on experience: Develop research skills, learn object-handling techniques, gain insight into museum operations, and meet heritage professionals. 

• Join a creative community: Take part in relaxed, engaging sessions alongside a supportive group of peers.

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What, where and when

• This year’s cohort will contribute to the Museum’s programme for Black History Month 2026, creating: 

  • ​A small-format output: Examples include: social media content or digital storytelling pieces.

  • ​​A public event: Examples include: Museum Lates programming, a High Street activity, or a radio broadcast. 

• Most sessions will be held in person at: Museum of Watford, 194 High St, Watford WD17 2DT. Some may be delivered online

• Programme Schedule: 25 April – 28 November 2026

• Choose one of the following attendance patterns:

  • Fortnightly: Wednesday evenings, 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm

  • Monthly: Last Saturday of the month, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

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Please state your preference on the Expression of Interest form.

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How to join

To apply, you must:

• Be aged 18–25 at the time of application

• Live or study in Watford or within 5 miles of the borough

• Have an interest in cultural heritage, museums, libraries, arts, community work, or storytelling

• Complete the Expression of Interest form

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We are looking for applicants who can contribute personality, creativity, and lived experience to this year’s cohort.

 

• Lived experience matters: As this project focuses on Black History Month 2026, we particularly welcome applicants who bring insights rooted in Black culture, identity, or community. Your experiences will help ensure our project is authentic and meaningful.

• You are curious about heritage: You are interested in the stories, local, global, or personal, that shape who we are today.

• You have a passion for culture: This might be through music, food, fashion, art, digital culture, or community traditions.

• You bring a new voice: You may love museums or feel like they have never been “for you.” Either way, your perspective is valuable. No prior museum experience is required. 

• You enjoy working with others: You are ready to collaborate, brainstorm, and build something together.

• You have creative interests: Social media, photography, music, writing, content creation, fashion, community work, event planning, or storytelling in any form.

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While the programme is open to all, we are centring Black voices for this cohort and strongly encourage applications from the Black community.

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Timeline and key dates

• Application deadline: 23:59 on 20 March 2026

• Places confirmed By: 13 April 2026

• Programme duration: April – November 2026

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Our commitment to inclusion

We want the museum sector to better reflect the communities it serves. This programme aims to help address underrepresentation by providing a financially supported, accessible route into cultural work. We welcome applications from young people who identify as:

• From working‑class backgrounds

• African, Caribbean, South Asian, or other Global Majority heritages

• Disabled, neurodivergent, or living with long-term health conditions

• LGBTQIA+

• Without formal qualifications

If transport, accessibility, or other practical challenges may prevent you from taking part, we are happy to discuss support options. We want every participant to be able to fully enjoy, contribute to, and benefit from the programme.