Victoria Centre announced as major sponsor of the Young Creative Awards 2026

“We’re delighted to welcome Victoria Centre as Exhibition Partner for the Young Creative Awards..."

Victoria Centre is proud to be announced as a major sponsor of the Young Creative Awards (YCA) 2026, celebrating and championing Nottingham’s next generation of creative talent. 

The awards are open to all young people aged 11 to 24 who are living, working or studying in the Nottingham Urban Area, with entries now open across ten creative categories including fashion, design and architecture, animation and digital media, music, photography, dance, creative writing and more.

The Young Creative Awards play an important role in nurturing Nottingham’s bold and vibrant creative spirit. Each year, they shine a spotlight on emerging talent and give young people the platform, confidence and encouragement they need to explore their creativity and shape ambitious futures. The 2026 programme aims to reach 500 entries, building on last year’s inspiring response of 393 submissions.

Victoria Centre’s commitment to the awards reflects its ongoing investment in supporting creativity and the city’s youth community. In 2025, the centre showcased shortlisted artwork in a dedicated pop-up shop, alongside hands-on creative sessions that invited young people and families to get involved. For 2026, Victoria Centre will once again exhibit selected work following the awards ceremony at the Nottingham Playhouse, ensuring young creators receive prominent visibility right at the heart of the city.

As part of the partnership, members of the Victoria Centre team will also join the judging panel for the Fashion and Textiles category, helping to recognise originality, innovation and expressive talent from Nottingham’s young designers.

Nigel Wheatley, Centre Director at Victoria Centre said: “We are delighted to be a major sponsor of the Young Creative Awards 2026. Nottingham has an incredible creative energy, and these awards play a vital part in nurturing that spirit in young people. Creativity builds confidence, resilience and ambition, and we are proud to help provide a platform where young talent can be seen, celebrated and inspired to keep growing. We are excited to support the judging process, collaborate on this year’s event and showcase the amazing work in the Centre afterwards.”

Nigel Cooke, Chair of Young Creatives Nottingham, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Victoria Centre as Exhibition Partner for the Young Creative Awards. Their vital support will helps us reach even more young people, providing the encouragement and opportunities they need to explore, celebrate and nurture their creative talents.” 

Entries for the Young Creative Awards 2026 are now open and will close at 11.59pm on Monday 16 March 2026. Young people can find full details on eligibility, category criteria and how to submit their work through the official Young Creative Awards website.

About Victoria Centre 

Victoria Centre, situated in the heart of Nottingham, is a premier shopping and leisure destination, offering a diverse and dynamic experience for all visitors. 

Home to hundreds of brands, under one roof, as well as a wide array of dining options to suit every palate, Victoria Centre caters to every shopper's needs. 

Beyond shopping, the centre hosts a variety of events and activities, ensuring there's always something exciting happening. Dedicated to providing a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere, Victoria Centre is committed to exceptional customer service and community engagement. 

Discover more at https://victoria-centre.com/ and stay connected with us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok