Why it matters: The 'Booked' project offers young people genuine entry points into the creative industries locally, addressing the challenge many face of having to leave Suffolk to find opportunities in music and events.
The details: The Youth Music-funded initiative will see intimate evening concerts coordinated and performed by new local talent, blending live music with libraries' literary heritage.
The eight paid roles offer 12 days of work between January and June 2026, with successful applicants gaining hands-on experience in:
Event planning
Sound engineering
Artist liaison
Marketing and media production
What they're saying: Sally Garwood, Suffolk Community Libraries Senior Creative Producer, said: "After finishing media studies, I found it tough to get creative work in Ipswich. University wasn't the right fit for me - I wasn't especially academic, and learning on the job and earning at the same time was right for me. Like many others trying to break into the creative industries, I ended up having to leave Suffolk to find opportunities."
She added: "Booked is our way of changing that story - creating real entry points into the creative sector right here in our local libraries."
Councillor Nadia Cenci, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Communities, said: "I'm delighted to see this project launched which is a great initiative for Suffolk Community Libraries and will provide some fantastic opportunities for young people in Suffolk to develop their creative skills and provide valuable experience for their future careers."
The bigger picture: No formal qualifications or music experience are required to apply. Suffolk Community Libraries says it is particularly motivated to work with individuals who are underrepresented in the sector or come from low-income backgrounds.
Additional volunteer opportunities are available for those interested in performing or working behind the scenes.
What's next: Applications close at 17:00 on Monday, 17 November. Full details are available on the Suffolk Community Libraries website, and those needing help with applications can email libraries.arts@suffolk.gov.uk.
For context: The project is backed by Youth Music through National Lottery funding via Arts Council England. Suffolk Community Libraries is working in partnership with Brighten the Corners, Suffolk New College, Haverhill Arts Centre, Out of Time Records and BBC Introducing Suffolk & Norfolk.
A spokesperson from Youth Music said: "Booked is an amazing project helping to open doors for young creatives outside of London. This fits with Youth Music's mission to equalise access to music for young people, and why 86% of our funding goes outside of the capital."
The bottom line: Young people passionate about music now have a paid opportunity to gain valuable industry experience without leaving Suffolk, helping to keep creative talent in the county.
