Young people unveil giant blueprint for a better Loddon

Young people in Loddon have unveiled a giant map of the town which sets out what they like and don't like about the place, and suggesting ways of improving it.

Now it is hoped that the successful pilot project will be taken up by other towns and villages across South Norfolk.

The project called "pARTicipate" aims to develop new ways of talking to young people about where they live and how their lives can be improved, and then presenting those results in a creative and artistic way.

It is set up by Norfolk Arts Partnership in association with South Norfolk Council, Norfolk Youth and Community Service and the Arts Council England, East.

In May, four artists began working with a core group of 12 young people aged between 12 and 15 and used photography, video, visuals, printing and the spoken and written word.

Opinion boxes were placed in key parts of Loddon, outreach days were held in the park and all the comments and ideas from over 100 young people were brought together in a giant textile "blueprint" map called Loddon: Through Young Eyes, as well as in video presentations, photography and audio recordings.

Michelle Hedley, aged 14, who attends Hobart High School was at the unveiling in Loddon town centre. She backed the project and said it gave young people the recognition they deserved. She said:

"This map says the good things about Loddon, like the fact that all our friends live here, and some of the worst things like there is nothing much to do. We need more youth groups after school, which are fun and not necessarily sport or school-related."

She added:

"What I want to see change as a result of this is more recognition for young people. I want young people to be listened to."

Artist Helen Derbyshire, who graduated from Norwich Art College this year, worked with the young people to produce the blueprint. She said:

"This was an opportunity to use art in a practical way, so that young people could communicate their ideas to other people and get their views out to a wider audience.

"It was great, and we watched as the young people grew in confidence about what they wanted to say." Councillor Vivienne Bell, who was representing South Norfolk Council at the event said:

"Young people must be heard if we are to build a better future for our towns and villages. This pilot project is a brilliant way of capturing their enthusiasm and participation.

"I hope some of our other towns and villages catch this wave, get in touch with Norfolk Arts Partnership and work with them to set up new projects."

Kevin Gosling is the Partnership's Arts Partnership Manager. He praised all the groups involved in the project, and especially Arts Council England, East for their support.

"This has been a very successful pilot and we are now looking for three other South Norfolk parishes, development partnerships or other organisation who want to consult young people in their own communities. We will help them find external funding for this." The four artists involved in the project were Tim Brookes, Rupert Mallin, Adam Shawyer and Helen Derbyshire. Tim shot a video with the group, and put it together complete with music; Adam gave the young people an opportunity of taking photos of themselves and their environment and Rupert made an audio recording of their views.

For anyone interested in the project, Kevin Gosling can be contacted on 01603 638113, by going to the website at www.norfolkartspartnership.org or by emailing kevin.gosling@norfolk.gov.uk.

Web links

• Norfolk Arts Partnership

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