MAKE AN EXHIBITION OF YOURSELF

28 - 31 October 2008 (half-term)
Council Chamber

An art project instigated by Ipswich Connexions PAYP in collaboration with Ipswich Borough Council.

MAKE AN EXHIBITION was organised in response to positive feedback gained during last year’s showcase, In Our Neighbourhoodz. This was a cross-agency arts project initiated by PAYP and Suffolk Youth & Connexions Service in partnership with IBC, which was aimed at developing young peoples’ awareness of recycling, whilst providing dual opportunity to explore and communicate social and cultural issues that affect them in their everyday lives – including negative attitudes towards them, crime/ violence, drugs, family etc. This event was and continues to be a fantastic success resonating across the youth arts sectors.

This year again a steering group of representatives from multiple partners including Youth & Connexions Service, Young Suffolk, Extended Schools, YOS and IBC/ Arts Development formulated a brief and context for this year’s showcase. This time the emphasis has shifted towards being more youth led.

MAKE AND EXHIBITION, titled by young people, preceded National Youth Work Week (1-7 November 2008) where the theme is Promoting Young People's Voice and Influence. This project championed the creative achievements (in their most expanded sense) of under 25’s by hosting work that has been either self-initiated and driven, made during clubs or through summer workshops, or as part of an Arts Award, either led by artists or youth workers.

The ambiguous brief encouraged wide interpretation to include an eclectic mix of sculpture, 2D, film, fashion, music and poetry etc. Live arts and entertainment including dance and rap were performed at the launch event. Simultaneous showcases spanned other areas in Suffolk, involving young people from each area in their respective venues and centers, developing the legacy of In Our Neighbourhoodz further to encourage more young people across the region to get involved and become recognised for their capabilities.

Click here for the press release

Click here for the poster