STEP UP: The Collective Edit
Discover creativity. Build confidence. Explore new opportunities.
Looking to try something new, meet people, build confidence, or gain skills for the future?
Join STEP UP: The Collective Edit Programme and create a short film by exploring storytelling, illustration, animation, photography, film and design skills.
Cost – free
Duration – 3 months (Bi-weekly 2-hour long sessions)
First cohort – September-November 2026
Second cohort – February-April 2027
What is STEP UP: The Collective Edit?
- STEP UP: The Collective Edit at Rural Arts is a fully funded creative media programme for adults in North Yorkshire who are looking for a positive first step back into learning, employment or next big step
- Through collaborative film-making, hands-on creative workshops, and friendly one-to-one support, you’ll build confidence, develop new skills, and work alongside others to create a short film that shares real stories, ideas, and experiences.
For many people, returning to learning or thinking about future opportunities can feel overwhelming. You may have lost confidence, feel disconnected, or simply not know where to begin.
- Step Up offers a welcoming and supportive space where you can explore creativity, meet new people, and rediscover what you’re capable of, at your own pace and in your own way.
- By the end of the programme, you’ll have been part of a shared creative project, developed valuable skills, and taken meaningful steps towards further learning, training, volunteering, or employment opportunities
Why join?
- Build confidence in a supportive environment
- Work collaboratively to create a short film
- Learn creative digital and media skills
- Meet new people and be part of a team
- Develop communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills
- Receive personalised support from a dedicated team
- Gain experience working towards a shared creative outcome
- Celebrate your achievements through a public showcase event
What to expect?
121 personalised support
Alongside the group sessions, you’ll receive tailored one-to-one support to help you build confidence, identify goals, and explore next steps.
Support may include:
- Setting personal and achievable goals
- Identifying strengths and interests
- Support with confidence and motivation
- Guidance around future opportunities and progression routes
- Signposting to local learning, wellbeing, and employability services
- Encouragement and support every step of the way
Creative media workshops
STEP UP: The Collective Edit is delivered through welcoming and relaxed group workshop sessions where you’ll collaborate with others to create a short film from idea to final showcase.
You’ll explore a range of creative activities including:
- Storytelling and creative planning
- Photography and film-making
- Sound production and recording
- Animation and visual design
- Set design and creative making
- Producing and project planning
- 2D and 3D creative work
- Location planning and collaborative production activities
No previous experience is needed – just curiosity and willingness to get involved.
The workshops are designed to help you:
- Build confidence and communication skills
- Work collaboratively with others
- Develop creativity and problem-solving skills
- Improve organisation and teamwork
- Express ideas and experiences creatively
- Rebuild routine and motivation in a positive environment
What will I have access to?
- Creative media and film-making activities
- Supportive group workshops and individual sessions
- Guidance around future learning and employment opportunities
- Access to creative digital tools and software
- Opportunities to showcase your work publicly
- Signposting and referrals to additional local support services where needed
What will I gain?
Everyone’s journey is different, but participants may leave the programme with:
- Increased confidence and motivation
- Experience working on a collaborative creative project
- Stronger communication and teamwork skills
- Improved creative and digital confidence
- New friendships and support networks
- A sense of achievement through public showcasing opportunities
- Greater readiness for further learning, training, volunteering, or employment pathways
When does the Programme run?
STEP UP: The Collective Edit will run across two programme periods:
- Cohort One: September – November 2026
- Cohort Two: February – April 2027
Participants will take part in four bi-weekly creative workshops alongside personalised one-to-one sessions, with approximately 10 hours of activity across the programme.
Who can join?
You can join Step Up: The Collective Edit if you:
- Are aged 19+
- Live in York or North Yorkshire
- Looking for a supportive and welcoming first step back into learning, creativity, or personal development
Still not sure if this is for you? Reach out. We’re here and happy to help if you need additional information or help with decision making.
Interested?
Get in touch for an informal chat.
Email ines@ruralarts.org
Call 01845 526536
or register your interest via the form below.
We encourage anyone interested to register their interest and apply early.
Step Up: The Collective Edit is designed as a creative and supportive three-month journey, giving participants the opportunity to develop new skills, build confidence, connect with others, and play an active role in creating a collaborative final film.
Attending all sessions will help you get the most from the experience and fully enjoy the journey from start to finish.
