A Window to My World: Art exhibition shines spotlight on mental health among young people in Wigan
A powerful youth-led art exhibition celebrating identity, creativity, and mental health has been hailed a success after drawing praise from young artists, community partners and members of the public in Leigh.
“A Window to My World”, which opened on Thursday 28 May at The Turnpike Gallery in Leigh Civic Centre, showcased an inspiring collection of artwork created by young people currently accessing our Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), with the themes of the artwork rooted in mental health and informed by the artists’ own personal journeys.
Seventeen young people took part in the exhibition, with artworks across a variety of mediums, including painting, drawing, photography and mixed media, on display throughout June. Audiences were invited to pause and reflect on the stories behind each piece, as they were offered a unique insight into the thoughts, emotions and lived experiences of young people in the region.
Some art works from the “A Window to My World” exhibition along with reflections from the young people:
“This project helped me because it gave me time to myself and let me be creative”
“I have loved working on my art and seeing people enjoy it”
“Doing my art helps me reduce stress and overthinking it helps me with my mental health by making me feel peace”
“I like to do art because it is calming and I like to draw random stuff”
“I love drawing because it is so satisfying to see a character take form and it allows me to have a version of them that's mine to keep forever”
“I enjoy doing artwork because it helps me to refocus and be in the moment”
“I enjoy art because it helps me forget things I am worrying about.”
Members of the public who visited the exhibition shared overwhelmingly positive feedback, highlighting the creativity, skill and courage that was evident across the artworks.
The exhibition was planned and delivered in collaboration between mental health services, young people and local partners, in order to create inclusive opportunities for young voices to be heard. Sam, Engagement and Participation Support Worker, who co-facilitated the event shared the positive impact of the exhibition:
“The initiative aimed to provide a safe and empowering platform for young people and their families to share their stories, amplify underrepresented voices and promote intercultural understanding, as well as strengthen partnerships between young people, the Trust and community organisations.
It was a truly inspiring event, and fantastic to see these young artists express themselves in such a creative, open and confident manner. This exhibition was a reminder that young people have powerful voices, and art is one of the many ways voices can be shared”
Due to the overwhelmingly positive outcomes of the exhibition, both the Turnpike Gallery and participants have already started to put plans in place for a follow-up event next year, with the hope that future events will expand to include an even wider range of creative talents and forms of expression, such as music and performance.
