Project inspires young people in care to demonstrate creative talents

The third annual Twilight Zone youth arts exhibition will be launched tonight at the Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast.

The exhibition will showcase artistic skills in film-making, music, sculpture, painting and dance of 40 young people who live in care across Northern Ireland. Working with the Health and Social Care Board and Trusts, the Public Health Agency (PHA) commissioned Arts Care to deliver an innovative arts-based programme providing support to the young people, building their self-confidence and self-esteem.

Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive of the Public Health Agency, said: “Many young people in the care system face additional challenges which can impact on their long-term health and wellbeing. The Twilight Zone project shows the significant role the arts can play in motivating young people and building their self-esteem, as well as giving them the opportunity to develop their skills and gain confidence in their abilities. I would encourage everyone to visit the exhibition and see the tremendous talent that is on show.”

The Twilight Zone artwork and exhibition is part of an action plan focussed on improving the health of children and young people in care. The group includes a number of community and voluntary organisations, such as Voice of Young People in Care (VOYPIC), who bring the views of the young people to the plans and development. The work supports the Children’s Services Framework and the PHA will build on this arts-based intervention to improve the health and wellbeing of looked-after children and young people.

Dr Jenny Elliott, Arts Care Chief Executive, said: “The Twilight Zone looked-after young people’s project is now in its third year. The support and partnership that Arts Care has with the Public Health Agency has ensured that young people across Northern Ireland have had a creative medium through which to have their voice heard. In one of the projects, the young people, assisted by the Arts Care artists, have created large-scale art works inspired by urban artist Banksy. Some of the other young people have created large-scale sculpture pieces, composed music and made short films.

“The investment by the Public Health Agency into this arts project has delivered multiple benefits for the young people, not only increasing their sense of self-esteem and confidence, but also building critical creative skills which they can transfer into everyday living. We are hoping that this vital exhibition will have the opportunity to tour across the province and to give the general public an opportunity to see what these young people can achieve and envision for their lives.”