Young people to unveil artwork to the public

Young people, supported by The Children’s Society’s Children’s Rights Service in Rochdale, unveil a special piece of artwork which represents their views of living in care

Young people, supported by The Children’s Society’s Children’s Rights Service in Rochdale, will unveil a special piece of artwork which represents their views of living in care.

Using an artistic process called graphic facilitation1, young people were asked a series of questions about their experience of living. Starting with a blank canvas, the group painted their combined views to visually represent their thoughts and emotions.

Funded by The Children’s Society’s Pot of Gold Scheme and Rochdale Borough Council through a grant from Kirkholt councillor Dale Mulgrew, the two-month art project involved young people from The Children’s Society in Rochdale’s Children in Care Council Listen Up Group. Aged seven to 19, members of the group live in care throughout Rochdale.

The artwork will be put on public display at Touchstones  and Balderstone Library.

The Children’s Society in Rochdale Programme Manager, Circle Steele, said: "This was an inspirational activity that helped to unlock young people’s creativity. By drawing upon their experiences in creative ways, and by helping them to channel their innermost thoughts, we can build a clearer picture of their views and concerns. This is a very effective way of making sure young peoples’ views are heard and acted upon."

Councillor Mulgrew said: "I just find this project a positive counter to all the negative news of late which has been wrapped around the care system in Rochdale. The artwork that this project produced is impressive. It is an exhilarating and fascinating use of vivid colours and imagery to symbolise what life is like for these young people."

The artwork will be displayed to the public at:

20 February – 6 March  
Touchstones

7 - 16 March
Balderstone Library