Teenagers from Slough and East London took part in a two-day Youth Arts Takeover here at Cumberland Lodge, using their creative skills to weave stories from their communities into the narrative of history within our former royal residence.
Working with sound, words, photography, and textiles, the participants from Together As One (Aik Saath) in Slough were joined by their peers from Immediate Theatre in Hackney.
Artistic facilitators Nathalie Hughes (spoken-word poetry), Theresa Macharia (photography) and Kinetika People (textiles) delivered creative sessions to the young participants over the two-day takeover.
Their spoken-word poems will be used in an audio tour for visitors, with their photography and audio installations on display alongside our existing art collection.
Two silk flags featuring designs that intertwine the stories of the Lodge, the young participants, and their communities, will be installed at our entrance for welcoming guests as they enter the building.
The work was created over two sessions on Monday 29 July and Monday 5 August.
Cumberland Lodge Programme Director Professor Melissa Butcher said: “We were excited to host over 20 young people from Slough and East London. They have created some beautiful work that we are looking forward to unveiling at our upcoming Open Day.
“It was brilliant to see how well the young people took to each medium, connecting their own stories to the history and surroundings of the Lodge.”
Together As One (Aik Saath) CEO Rob Deeks said: “The Youth Arts Takeover at Cumberland Lodge has been an extraordinary opportunity for our young people to showcase their creativity and talent in such a prestigious setting.
“Their involvement has not only boosted their confidence but also highlighted the incredible potential within our young people.
“Participating has been a transformative experience for our young people and has provided them with a unique platform to express themselves artistically and has given them a sense of belonging at a fantastic institution.”
Immediate Theatre’s Artistic Director Jo Carter said: “It’s been a great experience to bring young people from Hackney to Cumberland Lodge. I don’t think any of them had entered a house of this type before, and at first it was quite intimidating, but the welcome from the staff and the skills of the artists soon gave them the confidence to feel like they belonged and could have their voice heard, their presence felt. We look forward to the next visit.”
Together As One participant Simi, who took part in the spoken-word poetry said: “I found it very empowering to visit a building that used to host such prestige, giving a voice to young people. Especially to people from backgrounds not typically seen in this environment, and getting to hear what we have to say about things.”
Fellow participant Rohith, who took part of the textile group that produced the silk flags, said: “We took some photographs around the Lodge, drew them onto silks and then painted them. We were inspired by the colours around the Lodge and the different patterns we saw in vases and the frames on the portraits.”
Fellow participant Kadiatu from Immediate Theatre, took part in the photography and said: “We learnt a lot about angles and different lighting, like natural light and artificial light but also how we can apply that to the photos we take on our phones as well as a camera. The whole time here was interesting to see and I’m glad I came.”
Our inaugural Youth Arts Takeover was supported with a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
A limited number of tickets are available for our Open Day on Saturday 31 August, where the artworks will be unveiled.
About The National Lottery Heritage Fund
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder for the UK’s heritage. Using money raised by National Lottery players we support projects that connect people and communities to heritage. Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. From historic buildings, our industrial legacy and the natural environment, to collections, traditions, stories and more. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.
