ReThink Residency: February half term

Free creative workshops

Essential information

Type	Workshops
Location	National Maritime Museum
Date and times	Thurs 18 and Fri 19 February 2026 \| 10am-2pm
Prices	Free

Looking for something creative to do this school holiday? Join our ReThink Residency – a free, hands-on workshop where you will spend two days working as a young artist in residence at the National Maritime Museum.

You’ll create original artwork inspired by real museum objects and exhibitions. Your finished work will be shown in a public display at the museum, so visitors can see what you’ve made.

What you'll do

Work alongside a professional artist
Explore museum stories, themes and collections
Visit exciting locations including the Queen’s House
Experiment with different art styles and materials
Meet new people and work as part of a creative group
Help design and create a professional-quality public display
Gain experience you can use for your CV, portfolio or future opportunities

This year, you’ll work with artist Monique Kaur Kellay, creating artwork inspired by a new Queen’s House exhibition exploring themes like migration, journeys, community and identity.

Display of multiple zines with writing and drawings on white paper, displayed in a perspex box

Workshop dates

Thursday 19 & Friday 20 February 2026

Workshops run from 10am-2pm
Lunch is provided
There will also be an optional intro session on Monday 16 February (12pm-1pm)

Who can join?

You can take part if you are:

Aged 13-17
Living or studying in the Royal Borough of Greenwich

Good to know

The workshops are completely free
No previous art experience needed — just bring your ideas and creativity!

What will you gain from the project?

Meet new people and make new friends
Work creatively alongside a professional artist
Try new things and develop new skills
Gain valuable work experience for your CV and future progression, including experience of designing and creating work for a professional quality public display.

To become a ReThink artist-in-residence, we ask that you:

Be open to try new things!
Be aged 13-17 years
Live or study in the Royal Borough of Greenwich
Are available to attend every day

Where will the workshops take place?

The projects will be hosted at the National Maritime Museum and the Queen's House. A full timetable, including welcome information, will be shared when you sign up.

How much does it cost?

These are free workshops. We provide food and materials. You do need to be able to travel to and from the museum each day, but if you are worried about paying for your transport, please contact us so we can help with travel expenses.

How do I sign up?

To sign up for the ReThink Residency, complete this short form.

I have a question – who do I contact?

Please email our Producer Amy at youngpeople@rmg.co.uk with any questions, or you can ask to arrange a call, or text 07907 711159.

A photograph of a man washing. His face and hair is covered in soap suds, an water is being thrown over him

See artwork made by young artists who took part in ReThink Residency previously. Inspired by our exhibition Our Connection to Water, young people explored the themes of water, connection and identity, through creative responses.

Their final pieces were on display at the National Maritime Museum and you can read about their artwork here.