Pop Up Projects are a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, established in 2011. Since 2015 we have been an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation – NPOs represent “some of the best arts practice in the world, and play a vital role in helping meet the Arts Council’s mission”.

We firmly believe that access for all children and families to the broadest range of published, live and digital literature is a universal right. In all our work we facilitate access to rich and meaningful literary experiences for children and young people, schools (primary, secondary, SEN) and families – especially in diverse, deprived, isolated and otherwise challenged communities. We achieve this principally through an innovative service model – currently being transformed into a national schools Pop Up Festival of children’s literature – which works with whole schools and key stages to place authors and their contemporary books at the heart of literacy/English learning and teaching.

Children’s authors are exceptional role models and often gifted teachers; by harnessing their story-crafting skills we develop imaginative approaches to cultivating change in reading and writing attitudes, behaviours and skills. We work with over 300 published authors – from star names to first-time published – and almost every children’s publisher in the UK. Our work invests in the literature economy by commissioning authors (and never asking them to volunteer) and by purchasing books at a modest discount (because books aren’t free) so that publishers earn a little.

We also facilitate artist-led participatory and collaborative activities, which involve connecting and resourcing exceptional artists to co-create great literature and stories with children and young people, often in partnership with libraries, museums, galleries and other arts / cultural spaces.

We are increasingly focussing on nurturing and investing in diverse aspiring, emerging and established talent in literature, including through collaborations with colleges and universities as well as publishers, so that the next generation of published children’s authors is more ethnically, culturally and linguistically diverse. This involves championing translation and multilingualism, and facilitating international connections and cultural exchange.

Everything we achieve, we achieve through collaboration and partnership working locally, regionally, nationally, internationally.

Would you or your school, museum or gallery like to work with us?

We have an exceptional track record in making literature accessible and exciting in schools, communities and public spaces.

Our team has many years of programming expertise and an exceptional track record in impact evaluation and grant writing, with which we are eager to support other organisations.

Please click HERE to find out about the exciting opportunities to work with us and to learn about our consultancy offer and experience.

At Pop Up, we value diversity, imagination and the entrepreneurial spirit. It’s an incredibly exciting time be part of our story as we upscale nationally and forge new relationships and opportunities internationally.

TEAM

There are currently no open positions – however, if you have something special to offer in terms of experience and expertise, and would like to send your resume for our records, please get in touch.

BOARD

We have recently welcomed four new Board members, all exceptional individuals who are passionate about and dedicated to our vision and strategic goals. We are continuing to recruit up to four more Board posts – and are especially interested in expressions of interest from persons with expertise in the following areas: Law; Corporates; Philanthropy. If you’d like to find out more email dylan@pop-up.org.uk.

ARTISTS

We only employ published children’s authors for our schools programmes; published authors interested in taking part should email education@pop-up.org.uk.

We also commission authors and artists for other projects and are particularly interested in ethnically diverse authors/artists, and brilliant illustrators/comics artists who work in other countries/languages. Email info@pop-up.org.uk if you fit that bill.

Love what Pop Up do? Help us keep growing!

We rely on generous support both to deliver current projects and build more opportunities for increasing numbers of children and young people to engage with great literature.

If you would like to support our ongoing work, you can donate securely HERE. We very much appreciate any gift, big or small.