What About Me

A unique project using young film and music makers has recently been commissioned to explore the thoughts, feelings and stories of young people in Salford.

Breaking Barriers Rochdale have been commissioned by Greater Manchester Arts (GM Arts) and Salford Community Leisure (SCL), to create this exciting project which has been funded by The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Culture programme. The project named ‘What About Me?’ will tell a story of the young people in Salford with youth voice at the centre of its creation process.

A brand new Young Company, consisting of six young people, has been recruited to support the production of the creative work, thanks to further funding from Salford City Council Culture Team. These six individuals are either still studying or are just starting in their film and music careers and will hopefully take away valuable work experience that will set them up on their career journeys.

GM Arts and SCL wanted to not only provide an opportunity for young people to tell their story and amplify their voice, but also for young creatives living, studying or working in Salford to explore and elevate their careers.

Breaking Barriers is a Rochdale-based, multi-disciplinary production company that creates exceptional films, theatrical productions, binaural audio pieces and outdoor walking tours with local communities and international artists.

This project is a perfect example of how the boroughs of Greater Manchester can work together to not only explore the culture within our local communities but also across the whole of Greater Manchester.

This project has completed a research and development phase and will work with young people to co-produce the work during spring and summer this year, showcasing the final event in autumn 2025.

Salford Community Leisure works with hundreds of local young people every week across their Active Communities activities including youth clubs, sports and holiday clubs. These are the children and young people that will shape and create the story of the project.

Asa Keenan, Assistant Active Communities Manager said:

“Across Salford, many young people face a disconnect from local culture and creative opportunities. Using the funding the partnership aims to bridge the gap empowering young people to explore, express and shape their own narratives within society. It’s essential that their voices drive this project, ensuring authenticity and impact. I’m excited to see how Breaking Barriers and the young people of Salford will bring this project to life!”

Jodie Ratcliffe, Executive Producer at Breaking Barriers said:

“To be able to embed 6 Assistant Roles within our Creative Team is a unique opportunity that benefits both the Assistants and the Core team. Working alongside the Assistants has opened up an opportunity for inquisitive minds and open questions whilst embedding the youth voice within the creation of the piece and developing the future generation of makers. I am truly delighted to be able to work with the talented Young Company.”