Brand New World - Visual art education programme
Liverpool Learning Partnership and the Sister Gwen Appleton Trust funded six secondary schools to take part in a visual art education programme from September 2021-July 2022. Brand New World engaged 140+ young people from diverse backgrounds in learning about visual art and expressing their voice by creating an art work with a professional artist. Faith and the other programme artists chosen all have lived experience of racism and discrimination, enabling them to provide appropriate support when facilitating discussion about race, racism and discrimination. The programme provides opportunities for young people to explore their experiences of living in our current world, their heritage and identities, their hopes and dreams for the future, and how they can express these using visual art.
Faith worked with Bank View School, Redbridge High School and the Belvedere Academy. Initially Faith did an introduction about her work as an artist and a short practical taster session with two special schools participating in the programme (Bank View High and Redbridge High), the pupils then decided they wanted to work with her.
Each school took a different approach that responded to the needs and interests of the young people involved. Showcasing the final art works at the International Slavery Museum in summer 2022 provided a platform for the young people involved to tell their stories, their truths, to educate, spark conversations and demand change.
The photo shows Faith and studio assistant Olly, at the Brand New World exhibition held at the International Slavery Museum. Scroll down for details of the three project schools Faith worked with.
Aspiration Dioramas - Belvedere Academy
Brand New World at Belvedere Academy This girls secondary school group of ten pupils worked independently over three days to create personal sculptures which were later displayed at the International Slavery Museum. To begin Faith produced her own diroama based on the letter F to show them. Each young person created a diorama representing their aspirations for the future.
Hopes & Dreams - Redbridge High School
Brand New World at Redbridge High School This school provides holistic education for pupils aged 11 - 19 with SLD, PMLD, and any additional needs particularly ASD. The group of around ten young people worked independently over three half day sessions to create personal sculptures which were later displayed at the International Slavery Museum. The sculpture represents young people’s hopes and dreams for the future.
The Handy Tree - Bank View School
Brand New World at Bank View School an outstanding special school for students aged 5- 19. This group piece was co-created by Faith with 15 secondary students with complex learning difficulties at Bank View High School. Over six half day sessions they have created this new sculpture which will be displayed at the International Slavery Museum.
The sculpture represents young people’s hopes and dreams for the future. With roots at the base, then growth leading to outstretched arms as branches sprouting hand shaped leaves. The hands feature key words written by the students which relate to their likes and dislikes and aspirations such as: have a home, baking best, getting a job, be a footballer, become a music teacher, college, having a girlfriend, having time alone.
