Photography, spoken-word poetry, and colourful silk banners created by teenagers from Slough and Hackney at Cumberland Lodge’s first Youth Arts Takeover are now on display.
Young people from Together As One (Aik Saath) and Immediate Theatre spent two-days earlier this summer crafting the artwork, which was unveiled to guests at our Open Day on 31 August.
They were encouraged to reflect on what heritage means to them, and to use their creative skills to weave stories from their own lives into the historical narrative of our former royal residence.
Artistic facilitators Nathalie Hughes (Ayaba Poetic), Theresa Macharia (photography), and Kinetika People (textiles) worked with our Programme team to deliver the takeover on 29 July and 5 August, before collating and finalising the works.
Cumberland Lodge Programme Director Professor Melissa Butcher said: “It was brilliant to see all of our Open Day attendees experiencing the artwork created as part of our Youth Arts Take by over 20 young people from Slough and East London.
“It was really exciting to hear people’s reactions. The young people crafted beautiful work connecting their own stories to the history and surroundings of the Lodge.”
The artwork is available to view via our online Youth Arts Takeover Gallery, and the silk banners and photographs will remain on display in the Lodge alongside our existing art and heritage collection.
Over 150 guests attended the Open Day, including Windsor MP Jack Rankin. Attendees were treated to a Bee Talk with expert beekeeper Sergio Pignagnoli, a boutique afternoon tea and a history tour of our 17th century building.
Guests also learned about what Cumberland Lodge does today as an educational charity and social enterprise, empowering young people to lead conversations around social division.
The Youth Arts Takeover was supported by a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, raised by National Lottery players.
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.
