The Youth Arts Jamboree (YAJ) has once again brought creativity and community spirit to life, engaging hundreds of young people. Organised by Gibraltar Cultural Services on behalf of the Ministry for Culture, this year’s programme featured a dynamic lineup of events connecting schools, youth groups and the public with exciting artistic and cultural experiences.

One of the standout moments of YAJ was a special meet-and-greet session at City Hall, hosted by Deputy Mayor Nicky Guerrero. Young people had the unique opportunity to learn about the role of the Mayor and ask a lot of interesting questions about the Mayor’s Parlour.

Local scouts also took part in an interactive library session, where they explored different aspects of library services through engaging activities. The event was a major success, with attendees earning their Library Badge.

Adding a creative twist to the programme, Lizanne Figueras from Kitchen Studios led an energetic and hands-on art session for youth clubs. Using upcycled fabrics and materials, participants used their imagination through innovative design challenges, fostering creativity and friendly competition.

Meanwhile, Shane Dalmedo from GEMA Gallery hosted a delightful papercraft workshop for younger children, where they created their very own puppets inspired by classic fairytale characters. This engaging session perfectly tied into the World Book Day celebrations.

Despite a rainy forecast, World Book Day drew hundreds of pupils to John Mackintosh Hall, where they embarked on a magical journey through classic children’s stories. Through art, drama, and storytelling, young readers were immersed in the world of literature. The festivities continued into the evening with a public storytelling session led by GAMPA Juniors, ensuring that the magic of storytelling reached an even wider audience.

This year’s Youth Arts Jamboree has been a true celebration of creativity, learning, and community, bringing people together through the power of the arts. GCS looks forward to building on this success and continuing to inspire young minds in the years to come.

For more information about the Youth Arts Jamboree contact development@culture.gov.gi