Future Clandon: help shape a new cultural space in the making

Following the fire in 2015, Clandon is being reimagined as a welcoming place for community, creativity and discovery, where history meets art, culture and new ideas.

This autumn, we're bringing together a small group of UCA Farnham students to explore how future visitors might experience Clandon. Through paid creative workshops, site visits, conversations and collaborative activities, you'll work alongside National Trust staff and creative practitioners to help develop stories, experiences and events for the site.

No previous experience is needed. We're looking for curiosity, fresh ideas and different perspectives.

What is Future Clandon?

Future Clandon is a paid creative programme for UCA Farnham students who are curious about culture, creativity and the stories places tell.

Across eight sessions delivered this Autumn, you'll work alongside National Trust staff, creative practitioners and other young adults to explore Clandon and think about what makes places feel welcoming, relevant and worth coming back to.

Together, we'll visit cultural spaces, explore stories, share ideas and test creative approaches. Along the way, we'll be asking:

• What stories matter?
• What makes a visit memorable and engaging?
• How can young people help shape cultural spaces and experiences?

The ideas, questions and recommendations that emerge from the programme will help shape future storytelling, programming and youth engagement at Clandon.

What will you get from taking part?

All participants will be paid for their time at the London Living Wage. Travel support will also be available to help remove barriers to taking part.

As part of the programme, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Meet and collaborate with other young adults
• Work with National Trust staff and creative practitioners
• Visit cultural organisations and explore different creative spaces
• Build confidence sharing ideas and working with others
• Develop skills in creative thinking, discussion and co-design
• Learn how stories, events and experiences are developed for public audiences
• Contribute to real plans that will help shape Clandon's future

No previous experience is needed. We're interested in your perspective, enthusiasm and ideas.

What will you do?

Throughout the programme, you'll:

• Explore Clandon, its history and its future
• Visit cultural organisations and reflect on different visitor experiences
• Work with stories, objects and creative prompts
• Share your views on what makes places meaningful and welcoming
• Collaborate with others to generate and develop ideas
• Create recommendations for future experiences, interpretation and programming at Clandon.

Who are we looking for?

The 2026 cohort is only open to current UCA Farnham students. We're looking for young people aged 18-25 with different interests, experiences and backgrounds. You might be interested in:

• Culture and creativity
• Art and design
• Heritage and history
• Storytelling
• Community and social impact
• Events and live experiences
• Learning and making
• Public spaces and belonging

Or you might simply be curious about how places connect with people. Whether you're interested in creative careers, developing new skills, meeting people, or sharing your perspective, we'd love to hear from you.

If you are not a Farnham UCA student but are a young person who is curious about getting involved in future, keep your eye on our Instagram and webpages for future opportunities.

The Future Clandon Programme

Day 1 | Team Social and Launch Event

• Date and Time: Wednesday, 7th October, 3pm-5pm
• Location: Lightbox Gallery, Woking GU21 4AA

Day 2 | Experience: Clandon and Hinemihi

• Date and Time: Sunday, 11th October, 2pm-6pm
• Location: Clandon Park, West Clandon GU4 7RQ

Day 3 | Experience: Salvaged and Saved

• Date and Time: Wednesday, 21st October, 2pm-6pm
• Location: Off Site Store

Day 4 | Experience: Polesden Lacey

• Date and Time: Saturday, 24th October, 11am-2pm
• Location: Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham RH5 6BD

Day 5 | Explore: V&A East Museum and Storehouse

• Date and Time: Sunday, 25th October, 2pm-6pm
• Location: V&A East Museum and Storehouse

Day 6 | Reflect: Tate Lates

• Date and Time: Friday, 30th October, 6pm-9pm
• Location: Tate Modern

Day 7 | Activate: Stories and Themes

• Date and Time: Wednesday, 4th November, 11am-4pm
• Location: University for the Creative Arts, Farnham Campus

Day 8 | Review and Celebration

• Date and Time: Saturday, 7th November, 5pm-8pm
• Location: Frida's Coffee House, Guildford GU1 4SQ