Un/Common People Youth Programme: Young Folk

The group, Young Folk, formed to co-create an artwork for the Un/Common People Wessex Museums touring exhibition. The Young Artists were at the core of decision making throughout the project: exploring the meaning of Folk; what they felt needed to be included in the artwork; developing an Artist Brief; and recruiting an artist. The Young Artists, Michael, Chantelle, Victoria, Tiff, Hector and Kitty, then worked with artist Amy Peck, to create the artwork, ‘A’nu’.

The impact of the project on the Young Artists has been far reaching. The Young Artists reported they felt valued and represented and their work was valued. They told us they have developed knowledge, skills and experience that will help in their future and everyday life. This included knowledge, skills and experience of commissioning, selecting and working with a Professional Artist; leadership, decision making, problem solving, critical thinking, communicating, active listening, time management; and practical creative skills. They reported that the process exposed them to a range of different art practices, helped them to develop patience and resilience, increased self-esteem and confidence in themselves and in working as part of a team, and enabled them to make connections to others.

You can read about the seven-month project on the blog written by two of the Young Artists