YOUNG PEOPLE IMAGINE A POSITIVE FUTURE FOR THEIR CITY

YOUNG PEOPLE IMAGINE A POSITIVE FUTURE FOR THEIR CITY

From 23 April to 21 May Cardiff Story Museum houses "i ~ chair 2015" an exhibition of sculpture, painting and video which illustrates young peoples' aspirations to take control of their lives and become agents of change to create a better life for themselves, their families and their communities. Cardiff-based charity, People Around Here, has worked with young people, through six community-focussed projects, to compile this collective artwork which speaks of a positive future.

People Around Here has been working in Cardiff for the past 10 years and uses creative art to enable young people to explore their current situations and express their hopes and aspirations for the future.

Bill Taylor-Beales, Creative Director of People Around Here, says "Too often the general public views young people negatively. This exhibition shows everyone how young people can be given a voice and empowered to make changes in their lives and in those of people around them. We live in the youngest capital city in Europe. If anywhere should be listening to their youngest citizens then it is Cardiff.

The projects which comprise the exhibition have been funded/partnered by Heritage Lottery Fund, Children in Need, South Wales Police, Police and Crimes Commissioner, G4S, Action in Caerau and Ely, NIACE Cymru, Ely Caerau Federation, Cardiff Council Youth Offending Service, Arts Council of Wales, Cardiff Story Museum and St. Teilo's High School.

Stay Safe is a joint initiative between South Wales Police and the Youth Offending Service which was set up to improve engagement with young people across Cardiff. Its primary aim is to keep young people visiting Cardiff’s city centre parks safe. On Saturday afternoons, between 3.00pm and 9.00pm the Stay Safe team is out and about in the parks in central Cardiff where they are able to provide help and advice to young people and when necessary take them to a place of safety and make contact with a parent or guardian to ensure their safe journey home.