The exhibition will feature seven pieces of artwork created by Year 12 pupils at the school and is the result of a series of Canon Young People Programme photography and digital storytelling workshops. These workshops aim to provide young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to tackle the sustainability issues that matter to them, using creativity and critical thinking.
Based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, pupils were tasked with using visual storytelling, language, and design to create a poster and video that would bring to life their concerns for the future of the planet and their local environment.
The young people were mentored by Canon Ambassador Clive Booth and Canon experts¹ as they created their masterpieces. They were provided with inspiration and education through training on how to use Adobe Spark; how to shoot photographs and video; and how to use lighting and props to bring their stories to life. The workshops were also supported by education charity the Ideas Foundation, as well as former QEGS students, who have since gone on to pursue careers in the creative arts.
Clive Booth, Canon Ambassador commented: “This activity has created some incredible results, and I’m proud the school has the opportunity to showcase these images to the wider public. It’s clear the pupils were able to use these creative workshops as a platform to express their climate anxieties and the overwhelming concerns they have for the future of the planet.”
James Illsley, Head of Computing at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School comments: “This is such an inspirational activity for the pupils to be involved in, giving them the opportunity to work with industry professionals and consider careers or higher education in the creative sector. Having the chance to show the results of their work to the public, and be involved with the organisation of the event, is a great way to end this project.”
Adam Pensotti, who runs the Canon Young People Programme, said: “It was great to see the passion and enthusiasm from all the pupils at the workshops – the work they produced was superb and, as the next generation, they eloquently captured the issues that matter to them right now.”
Canon’s Young People Programme (YPP) helps young people from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa with creative education by delivering workshops, inspiration, education and empowerment. Since its inception, it has worked with over 5,000 young people and over 50 charity partners. In the UK, the Canon Young People Programme has been running in partnership with the Ideas Foundation for over six years.
The exhibition will run at 17 Gallery & Event Space, 17 St John’s Street, Ashbourne DE6 1GP, from Tuesday 22nd until Wednesday 30th March 11.30am - 3.30pm (weekdays), 10am - 5pm (Saturday and Sunday)
1 The pupils were supported at each workshop by a team which included: Canon Ambassador, Clive Booth; Adam Pensotti who runs the Canon EMEA Young People Programme; Nathan Dua, Canon Education Segment Manager and former QEGS students, Hannah Wood (brand strategy), George Wood (photography) and Mark Spencer (photography and film making).