Young people across Northern Ireland face growing barriers to creative and extracurricular opportunities due to rising poverty, cuts to arts provision and the high cost of taking part (fees, uniforms, costumes, transport). Disabled, neurodivergent and mental health–affected young people are often excluded by inaccessible spaces, while rural isolation limits access further. Without intervention, inequalities widen and young people miss out on confidence, wellbeing and skills.

Rainbow Factory delivers low-cost or free youth-led performing arts programmes that remove barriers for young people facing poverty, disability, or social disadvantage. We provide weekly drama, dance, musical theatre and technical theatre workshops, plus productions and outreach. Our model combines professional arts with youth work principles, providing supportive and accessible environments where young people can access high-quality creative experiences, regardless of background or income.