Accelerate Studios

Accelerate Studios is Open City’s free in-school programme to support young people in Years 9-11 to explore creative careers and pathways into the wider built environment. Our workshops are engaging, creative and interactive, co-delivered by alumni from our programmes. As active role-models, our team of early-career professionals ensure students hear relevant insights first-hand.

Open City specifically works with secondary schools that have a high level of pupil premium funding, in order to reach young people who might not otherwise have access to creative opportunities. 

Thanks to the continued support of our sponsors, Accelerate Studios is running for a second year across Birmingham and London.

To get involved, please contact us at: education@open-city.org.uk

Programme Events

  • In-school creative workshops

  • Workplace tours to design offices

  • Design challenges

  • Engaging career events

For Students

Designed for secondary school students, the programme aims to increase civic participation and cultural capital amongst young people - empowering them to shape their own local area. Throughout our work, we develop creative skills, collaboration and introduce meaningful career opportunities and pathways.

2024-2025 Highlights

1,978

Students

3,134

Engagement Hours

23

Schools

13

Facilitators

48

Events

2

Cities

For Schools

Accelerate Studios helps fulfil schools’ career obligations, aligning to Gatsby benchmarks for career links and career encounters. With the continued underfunding of creative subjects, our work also highlights the value and potential of design. Through our network, we also facilitate long-term relationships with local built environment practices and professionals