Poignant new display sees children from care system using art to express their emotions
02 September 2024
Coventry children who have experienced the care system have collaborated on a powerful pop-up art display at the city’s Herbert Art Gallery & Museum.
The display, entitled The Unspoken Word of Art, opened to the public on Friday (23 August). The concept was initiated by 18-year-old care-leaver Shali who encouraged other children who had been in care to create works about their experiences with the theme of ‘Express Yourself’.
With the help of Child Friendly Cov, part of the City Council’s One Coventry plan, youngsters aged between the ages of four and 18, used art as a medium to articulate feelings that aren’t always easily spoken aloud.
Those works are now on display on the first floor of the Herbert, overlooking the atrium which holds Dippy, the Nation’s Favourite Dinosaur.
Talking about the display Shali said: “People aren’t always very good at vocalising what they are thinking so people have different ways of expressing themselves, and art is my way. My piece represents that on the outside things can appear calm, yet on the inside it is chaos.”
Discussing what it’s been like watching her vision turn into something which thousands of people will see, Shali added: “It’s been a really great experience watching all the children come together to create the artwork and then watching it be put up, it’s been great.
“It feels incredible to know our work has been put up in a gallery for people to see it. Art allows you to tackle your innermost thoughts and it’s such a good way to express yourself.
“All I’ve ever wanted to do was make a difference and help people, so to know my idea has done this is amazing, I’m very proud.”
Cllr Pat Seaman, Cabinet Member, Children and Young People, said: “I was thrilled to be at The Herbert for this fantastic event. To see the artwork presented by young people who have experienced the care system in our city is really special and to see it displayed in such a prestigious setting is something these children will remember all their lives.
“Often children who have experienced the care system do not feel like they have a voice, so to see them be able to express themselves in this manner and have it displayed like this is quite powerful.”
James Orchard, Interim Children’s Champion, at Coventry City Council, who has been leading on the project on behalf of the Council added:
“Having an outlet is hugely important. These are perhaps one of the most vulnerable groups of young people we have in Coventry, so for them to be given a voice in this way is fantastic. To see their own faces when they see the emotions and feelings they’ve articulated through their art being displayed at such a venue - it’s incredible.
“For Shali to feel that sense of achievement and to see the influence she has had on the other artists while watching them grow through this process, is something I know means a lot to her. For me personally, it’s been inspiring and really rewarding.”
The unveiling of the display was attended by the artists, as well as carers, social workers and city councillors.
Marguerite Nugent, Cultural Director at CV Life, the organisation that runs the Herbert, said: “We’re really proud to offer this space to what is a fantastic display.
“Events like this really illustrate just how powerful art can be as a way for people to express themselves. Art is for everyone and should be accessible to all. We really hope that by hosting displays such as this we reinforce that message.”