This project involved working with Dr Tara Webster Deakin from City as a Lab, part of University of Nottingham, in conjunction with a group of Year 9 'young researchers' I was commissioned to create a piece of artwork telling the story of their research findings. The focus of the project explored the experience of place from the perspective of young people in one of Nottingham’s socio-economically challenged areas, Bulwell.
Bulwell is the second most deprived ward in Nottingham city and ranks as the 110th most deprived out of England's 7,412 wards. Young people (under 16) account for 23.4% of the ward population which is higher than that of Nottingham city (18.8%) and nationally (18.3%). Bulwell has a higher proportion (41.4%) of children aged 0 - 15 yrs living in poverty as compared to Nottingham city (29.8%).
It was an honour to be involved in this project and learn of the young peoples experiences, outlooks and distill their research findings from out in the community, which resulted in the creation of this artwork. The narrative is framed around a central character, with a horned helmet, a nod to the origins of ancient folklore. As legend claims, Bulwell got its name from a legendary bull that charged a sandstone rock, creating a spring that flows to this day. The torch is prominent as a beacon of light and hope. As the research findings of the group pointed to a need for improving building a safer community for children, developing and cleaning public spaces. So standing proud and optimistically looking forwards with a hope for growth and rejuvenation.
It was an honour to be involved in this project and learn of the young peoples experiences, outlooks and distill their research findings from out in the community, which resulted in the creation of this artwork. The narrative is framed around a central character, with a horned helmet, a nod to the origins of ancient folklore. As legend claims, Bulwell got its name from a legendary bull that charged a sandstone rock, creating a spring that flows to this day. The torch is prominent as a beacon of light and hope. As the research findings of the group pointed to a need for improving building a safer community for children, developing and cleaning public spaces. So standing proud and optimistically looking forwards with a hope for growth and rejuvenation.
