My Space launched by WheelWorks

The stories of young people from six culturally diverse communities in Northern Ireland have gone on exhibit today in Belfast as a result of the My Space project, coordinated by developmental youth arts organisation WheelWorks

Using digital and lens based photography, image manipulation and text, the exhibition explores themes of tolerance and respect and challenge attitudes of exclusion and discrimination using simple, often poignant images.

The exhibition is a timely invitation to share in the life experiences of a number of the ethnic communities who live here, giving us privileged glimpses into home, family and school environments where the participants enjoy varied customs, activities and friendships.

My Space is a collaboration between seven professional artists and six young persons groups from culturally diverse backgrounds: the Portuguese/African community in Dungannon, the Traveller Site Programme in Belfast, the Mandarin Speakers Association in Belfast, the Filipino Nursing Community at the Ulster Hospital, Al –Nur Asian Association in Craigavon, and young people seeking refugee or asylum status here.

Alain B Divinagracia, from the Filipino community, talked of her experience of participating in My Space: “With this project, I have indeed been given a space to know myself and the people around me…knowing ones life and culture makes us understand life even more. Finally at the end of the day, what matters most is that I have this feeling that I belong to this community, accepted by the people and am here to stay and be a good guest of Northern Ireland "

WheelWorks has been operating for nine years to engage young people in rural and urban areas in arts and cultural activities. Projects use a range of arts media to encourage young people in disadvantaged situations to express themselves through creativity.

At the launch of the exhibition Gavin O’ Connor, Director of WheelWorks said: “The My Space project positively highlights the important role which creative activity plays in the development of empowering cultural participation, while developing a broader definition of the way artists support and facilitate the personal, social and cultural development of young people .”

My Space is on show at the Old Museum Arts Centre , Belfast until 19 April, and will then tour venues across Northern Ireland. It is accompanied by a catalogue and education resource pack for key stage 3 and 4 which can be used in schools, youth clubs, arts organisations and community groups.

For more information about WheelWorks and their programme of events contact: wheelworksartcart@hotmail.com or 028 9020 0878