IN OUR NIEGHBOURHOODZ 2007 EXHIBITION

2007 October half term The Town Hall Galleries, THG play host to an exciting exhibition of artworks produced by young people living in Ipswich. Jennie Reeve PAYP Co-ordinator with Suffolk County Council’s Youth & Connexions Service, initiated a cross-agency arts project that provided groups of young people from across Ipswich valuable opportunity to address and communicate some of the issues that they face in everyday life, whilst simultaneously raising ecological awareness by using recycled and discarded materials as a medium.

Young people and youth workers, waste education, community safety and arts development staff from IBC all came together with lead project artists to raise and exchange their respective issues, experiences and facts. These were developed through practical artist-led workshops that took place throughout the summer holidays.

The resultant exhibition, In Our Neighbourhoodz exhibits an eclectic range of lively responses and approaches to the brief. Small-scale works sit alongside larger pieces; 2D works including graffiti are accompanied by sculpture fabricated from papier-mâché, cardboard and obsolete technology, which also combine additional elements of sound/ music and vision/ film. Interpretations also include modes of performance including dance and rap, parts of which will be performed live at the launch event. Using the power of art and creative talents enabled young people to voice their concerns and hopes, also allowing them to express to others what is important in their lives.

The final exhibition coincides with Ipswich Borough Council’s ‘Not in my Neighbourhood’ week - part of the Changing Lives Making Communities Safer Home Office campaign, which aims to demonstrate that significant progress is being made to tackle crime, drugs, alcohol and anti-social behaviour.

Special thanks to:

Ky Rice & Mandy Roberts lead artists / Julia Devonshire Arts Project Officer (IBC) / Jenny Reeve Ipswich Youth & Connexions (PAYP) / Hannah Besley Community Safety Officer (IBC) / and all those involved in the project.