Bengaluru, Feb 20: The Indian Music Experience Museum (IME) has announced an open call for applications for the sixth cohort of its Youth Advisory Board (YAB), inviting students aged 14–17 to become part of a dynamic, youth-led initiative that brings young voices into the heart of the museum’s programmes, communications, and outreach. The deadline to apply is 2 March 2026.
Conceptualised in 2021 in partnership with the British Council, the Youth Advisory Programme is a pioneering platform that integrates young people as changemakers within a cultural institution. Over a 10-month term (March–December 2026), selected members will gain behind-the-scenes exposure to how a museum functions while developing leadership, critical thinking, teamwork, and creative skills.
“The launch of our 6th Youth Advisory Board marks a milestone in our mission to bridge the gap between intangible cultural heritage and future ready innovation. By integrating young voices directly into our decision making, we aren’t just preparing them for the orange economy, we are inviting them to build it. At IME, we believe that for creative communities to thrive, young people must transition from being passive consumers of culture to becoming the architects of its next evolution.” said Preema John, Museum Director, IME
As part of the Youth Advisory Board, participants will evaluate IME’s programming and communications, propose innovative ideas to increase youth engagement, organise two youth-focused events, manage campaigns on the YAB Instagram platform, and implement select recommendations from previous cohorts. The programme also includes presenting key learnings and future recommendations to the museum team. Members will receive structured mentorship from IME professionals, opportunities to shadow different museum roles, and two dedicated skill-building workshops covering communication, collaboration, time management, and problem-solving. Custom training aligned with individual goals may also be requested.
Through the programme, participants will learn to lead teams, delegate responsibilities, organise public events, contribute to programme ideation, create and manage social media collateral, and explore diverse career pathways within the museum and cultural sector, all while deepening their understanding of the evolving landscape of Indian music.
Lakshmi R, Community Programmes Manager, Indian Music Experience Museum said,
“The Youth Advisory Board is a great platform for young people in South Bangalore because youth perspectives matter. They bring fresh ideas, new ways of engaging with music, and a deep understanding of what resonates with their generation at the Indian Music Experience Museum. Through doing this, the programme strengthens the museum’s connection to the local community ensuring Bangalore’s vibrant music culture is represented and carried forward by its next generation.”
Dhriti, Grade 11 student, YAB alumnus and co-curator of the Voices of Time exhibition at IME said,
“With IME, once you come into the museum space, there is so much history surrounding you and so many ideas. What YAB does is give you the space and opportunity to act on those ideas.”
In recognition of their contributions, Youth Advisory Board members will receive a certificate and a personalised letter of recommendation from IME and become part of a growing alumni network that supports youth engagement in India’s arts and culture ecosystem.
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