Young peoples art project challenges stereotypes
What do young people think of themselves and what do adults think about them? These are the questions young people taking part in the My Life project sought to address Please upgrade your Flash player to view this content
My Life used video, dance, drama and music to explore the perceptions and issues of second and third generation black, minority and ethnic (BME) young people. The young people interviewed other young people and adults about issues important to them and sought to uncover what adults thought about young people today. These interviews formed and informed the creative work undertaken by the group which led eventually to a multimedia performance to stimulate debate amongst an invited audience of decision makers.
Real Time ran workshops with young people using drama, music and participatory video to explore identity, and positive and negative perceptions.
My Life made full use of participatory video as a tool for action research.
Participants were able to create work in reaction to the views, uncovered during interviews.
The films made by young people were edited into a DVD which was sent out in advance of the performance both as an electronic invitation, and as an introduction to the issues to be debated.
The performance included a screening with live movement and interaction, recorded music composed and created by the young people, plus extra short films showing young people working on the project.
The invited audience were encouraged to debate the issues raised by the film and the young people’s performance. Both adults and young people were able to give honest opinions and were able to challenge each other in a non-threatening atmosphere.
The project was collaboration between Mothertongue and Real Time, funded by Vodaphone. The young people demonstrated commitment, skill and flair and produced an impressive multimedia performance, plus the confidence to present their opinions to a demanding audience.
Real Time’s flexible approach ensured that the project maintained momentum and reached a successful conclusion. A DVD was produced for distribution, including the young people's presentations plus feedback from the event.