Royalties London is a creative development programme that equips young Londoners with the skills, confidence and networks to transform ideas into real cultural projects.
Delivered by VOLCANO in partnership with London Heritage Quarter, the programme brings together emerging creatives aged 18–30 from a range of disciplines to explore how music, events, arts and culture can shape public spaces, strengthen communities and make London Heritage Quarter a more vibrant, inclusive place.
Originally founded in Copenhagen in 2011, the Royalties model has supported more than 500 young creatives. In 2025, London Heritage Quarter brought the programme to the capital for the first time through a successful pilot, creating new opportunities for young people to gain hands-on experience while contributing to the future of the area.
Following the success of the pilot, Royalties London has been recommissioned for 2026, with a new cohort of participants taking part in an expanded programme.
About the programme
Royalties London is designed for young people who want to move beyond ideas and gain practical experience delivering creative and cultural projects. Participants work together throughout the programme to develop concepts, learn from industry professionals and collaborate on the delivery of a live cultural event in London Heritage Quarter.
Across six months, participants develop skills in:
- Creative project development
- Event planning and production
- Branding and communications
- Partnerships and fundraising
- Project management
- Collaborative working and leadership
The programme is free to attend and is open to young Londoners aged 18 to 30. No formal qualifications are required, only curiosity, commitment and a passion for creativity, culture and making a positive impact.
2025 Pilot Programme
Royalties London launched in 2025 as a pilot programme, introducing the internationally recognised Royalties model to London for the first time, delivered by London Heritage Quarter and VOLCANO.
Participants took part in a series of workshops led by industry professionals before applying their learning to design and deliver their own public showcase event.
The programme culminated in an event: Illuminate London – Together We Connect, held at the London School of Economics (LSE). The evening celebrated emerging artistic and musical talent while exploring how London’s business community can help support the next generation of creatives. Curated and delivered by the participants themselves, the event included:
- Open mic performances
- Creative art workshops
- Professional headshot sessions
- Networking and interactive activities
- A panel discussion
The event demonstrated the confidence, creativity and leadership participants had developed throughout the programme while showcasing the role that culture can play in bringing people together.
Lasting impact
The success of Royalties London has continued well beyond the pilot programme. Participants have gone on to:
- Perform at London Heritage Quarter’s Annual General Meetings, sharing their creative work and the Royalties London story with levy payers, partners and board members.
- Secure new professional opportunities within the theatre sector through connections made during the programme.
- Speak on public panels discussing the role of young people in creative industries and placemaking.
- Continue working with London Heritage Quarter’s Placemaking team on local projects and cultural initiatives.
These outcomes demonstrate how the programme not only develops practical creative skills but also creates meaningful professional opportunities and lasting connections within London’s cultural sector.
Looking ahead
Following the strong outcomes and positive feedback from the 2025 pilot, Royalties London returned in 2026 with a new cohort of young creatives.
The recommissioned programme continues London Heritage Quarter’s commitment to supporting emerging talent, strengthening local communities and using creativity as a catalyst for positive change across the district.
Applications for the 2026 programme have now closed.