A powerful art exhibition created by care experienced young people to change perceptions and reclaim their voice, is to come to Whitehaven in time to celebrate National Care Day.
Currently exhibited by Carlisle’s Tullie Museum and Art Gallery, ‘Re-write the Narrative’ is a deeply moving and personal insight into memories and experiences of young people who have care experience.
The collection, which brings together artwork, poetry, and creative installations, will open in Whitehaven from 20 February – to celebrate National Care Day – until Friday 13 March.
The public will be welcomed to visit the collection for free at the following locations:
- until Wednesday 18 February: Tullie Museum and Art Gallery, Carlisle
- Friday 20 February – Sunday 22 February: Beacon Portal at the Beacon Museum, Whitehaven
- Monday 23 February – Friday 13 March (weekdays only): Whitehaven Town Council (the old Times and Star Building) 148 Queen Street, Whitehaven.
With the support of Cumberland Council’s Youth Voice team, the project’s purpose is to provide a platform for care-experienced young people to express themselves creatively. By sharing their stories publicly, they hope to challenge perceptions and rewrite the narrative surrounding care-experienced children, young people, and adults – and use this to create positive change.
The project began as a photography initiative but soon grew into a vibrant, multi-form exhibition. Visitors will discover a diverse range of works, including oil paintings, collages, creative display boxes, poetry, and photography – each piece telling a deeply personal story.
Cumberland’s Youth Voice team work closely with young people across Cumberland, including cared for and care experienced young people, to encourage and support them to be involved in the decisions and services that shape their lives. Already, this project has led to an increased focus on the importance of relationships and siblings and community connections for children and young people who are cared for.
Jane Wheeler, Assistant Director for Family Help, Partnerships and Youth Justice said:
"Re-write the Narrative is about listening – to our young people and their experiences in their own voice. This exhibition is raw and true – and that honesty is both powerful and deeply moving.
“Through art, they can communicate feelings and experiences that words often cannot capture. This exhibition is not only inspiring – it’s a call to listen and learn, as well as celebrate their talent."
“We encourage visitors to come and experience the exhibition for themselves."
Councillor Emma Willliamson, Deputy Leader and Children's Services, Family Wellbeing and Housing Portfolio Holder, said:
"This exhibition is a powerful reminder that every young person has a story worth hearing. ‘Re-write the Narrative’ gives care-experienced young people the opportunity to express themselves creatively and challenge stereotypes. Be prepared to be moved.
“We are incredibly proud to support this project and encourage everyone to visit and experience these powerful stories told through art."
Quotes from young people
Hear from the young people themselves about their work, in their own words:
“There’s been a lot of work put in for this exhibition and it would be great for more people to come and see our pieces and know our stories.”
- Allie James, one of the creatives of the exhibition
“I feel like the exhibition has given young people a chance to voice their experience in a creative way.
“It’s really important and good that we have this space to show that.”
- Kim, one of the creatives of the exhibition
“Being part of the Re-write the Narrative exhibition makes me feel strong. It gives each of us a creative space to tell our stories on being care experienced, which, for me, has shaped a lot of who I am today. It’s given me the chance to tell my story.”
- Young care experienced creative
“It’s something I can be proud of.”
- Young care experienced creative