Tell us more about the Where We Are Project
Back in June 2023, my friend and I were told about this art and culture project, the Where We Are Wakefield Project. It kick-started in September 2023 and ran until December. There were 14 young people being part of it, all of us aged between 16 -24.
Where We Are was about exploring the arts and culture, and was part of Wakefield Museums and Castles, the youth association, and The British Museum in London.
What did the Project involve?
We would meet up every Thursday. There were lots of arts activities we tried out, with our support teachers, on a rotation basis.
We took part in taster sessions about culture & why it’s important. And we also did creative activities such as making photo frames, drama workshops, light painting and dress up, lino and screen-printing session, and more.
Did you see any art exhibitions during the project?
Yes, we got to see an Art House exhibition around Asylum seekers and their art. The asylum seekers art was a mixture paintings, drawings, and wall art from a variety of political and cultural backgrounds.
You mentioned the British Museum, did you visit?
Yes, we went to the British Museum in London at the very end of the project. It was really empowering to be part of meeting the funders and evaluators for the project. We had a tour of the exhibitions in the museum, and took part in group activities, looking at historian photos with the Swindon group of young people who also joined us on our trip.
That sounds super interesting
It was, and we could then also give feedback on what we enjoyed seeing at the Museum, and talked about the achievements of the project.
What happened at the end of the project?
We got to showcase our Wakefield Where We Are creations at an exhibition at Wakefield Museum!
It was launched this January 2024, and was so wonderful to be able to show our creative work to the public. They could see what we’d been working on for the past few months. And they could see why this project really got us all connected and loving who we are to inspire the community to embrace the culture and arts around them.
What did you take away from the Where We Are project?
I really enjoyed meeting other young people and building connections over the weeks as we started to collaborate.
Also, it was good to see that art and culture are so different, and that everyone is too.
As we looked at our town of Wakefield, we realised that it is such a beautiful place with so much history. By doing this project we got to learn about our own identities, and learned about each other.
What a great experience all round!
Yeah, it was so much fun, and I grew in confidence over the weeks. I started believing more in myself and knowing who I want to be.
Any tips for young people who might want to do a similar project?
We all aspire and dream, but sometimes young people forget why we are so special in our own way. Being yourself is so important, and you should never be someone you’re not. Doing projects like this, or getting involved with activities helps you discover who you are and what makes you shine.
And this project really empowered us all in many ways.
Read more about Troy taking part in mystery shopping and about him starting a participation group.
Photo credit & copyright: Nick Singleton
“Never forgot who you are as you are wonderful in our own way.”
Troy
