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We’ve run the Express Yourself project for 5 years. It is open to young people aged 13-17 and living in Gedling. Art is used to inspire, build the confidence and raise the self-esteem of children and adolescents.
“It is so nice to see work that I created on display in public spaces! I absolutely loved being involved in the project and learning about photography. Thank you City Arts!”
Meridith, Express Yourself participant
Since Express Yourself began over 300 young people have taken part in the programme. City Arts has worked with local artists to engage the participants in a range of creative & artistic skills. Murals in the Shokk Gym at Carlton Forum, brightly coloured birds sculptures in the atrium of Gedling Borough’s Civic Centre and sculptural seating in Arnot Hill Park are among the artworks, created by participants, on public display in and around Gedling.
“The work produced by young people who get involved in the project is always of a really high quality. It’s great to have the opportunity to share it with a wider audience. I feel very privileged to be part of a process that helps these young people unlock their creative talents.”
Alma Solarte-Tobon, City Arts Creative Programmes Officer
Park House Health & Social Care Centre is at 61 Burton Rd, Carlton, Nottingham NG4 3DQ. The centre is open Monday to Friday between 8am & 6:30pm.
Young people from Gedling can find out how to get involved in the Express Yourself project by contacting Alma Solarte-Tobon on 0115 978 2463 or by emailing alma@city-arts.org.uk.
UPDATE 09/07/14: The Nottingham Post ran a feature on Express Yourself and the Park House exhibition, interviewing Meridith and Alma. It’s a great read, and Meridith speaks very highly of the project:
“I was finding it hard to talk about my issues and I was really quiet when I started, but it’s such a welcoming environment and I’ve gradually built up my confidence,”
“It was really scary at first – and I remember that every time a new person starts.”
“What’s so great about it is that it is a collaborative effort. Not one of the pieces is one person’s work, we all work together and there are a lot of different characters.”