People, Place, Practice: How Culture Can Build Belonging

Zest has just turned 18, which has given us space to reflect on the summer we’ve had and the young people who shaped it.

Across town squares, festivals and market days, we saw what happens when something vibrant, welcoming and youth-led appears in public space. Young people stayed, returned and built their own community around it.

Toby has written a short reflection on what this summer revealed and how simple, intentional choices can help confidence and connection grow.

Zest Wrapped 2025

2025 took Zest into public spaces more than ever before. From taking The Zone to three new places across our region, to a major summer residency in Lincoln’s City Square, our work showed up where young people already are.

Across the year, we toured Sound Board nationally, launched new Refresh installations, and settled into our new home at the Barbican Creative Hub. It’s been a year defined by connection, care and youth-led creativity.

Take a look at Zest Wrapped 2025 to explore the projects, places and moments that shaped the year – and where we’re heading next.

Zest’s new home at Barbican Creative Hub

We’ve moved! After many years at The Terrace, Zest has a new home at Barbican Creative Hub in Lincoln city centre. The beautifully restored building is fast becoming a hub for collaboration and creativity, bringing together organisations, artists and ideas that shape Lincolnshire’s cultural future.

Landmarks & Legends

As part of Landmarks & Legends created by Unseen Arts and The Culture House, we’ve been working with young people in North East Lincolnshire to uncover the stories, places and memories that shape their sense of home. They explored the places they feel connected to and started to create pieces inspired by their past and future.