A new creative project in Tadcaster is giving young people the chance to express themselves through music, photography and movement.
The project, Young in Tad (“YIT”), brings together three professional artists and a group of young people who attend Tadcaster Barn, a community setting that provides a safe space, clubs and activities for young people in Tadcaster aged 5–18.
Over a series of weekly workshops, they have been exploring different artforms to tell their own stories and challenge perceptions of young people in the town – and their work is set to be showcased in a public exhibition running from Saturday 22 to Sunday 23 November at 43 Kirkgate in Tadcaster.
Delivered as part of a partnership between Now Then!, Tadcaster Barn and ARCADE, the project forms part of a wider programme of creative activity across Selby, Tadcaster and Sherburn-in-Elmet.
Working with a musician, dancer and a photographer, the participants have developed new skills in beatboxing, breakdance-inspired movement and visual storytelling.
The exhibition is curated by the young people themselves and features powerful portraits, spoken word and film that reflect their creativity, pride and individuality. Visitors will encounter a series of outstanding photographs taken in locations and places chosen by the group. They will also feature movements learned from dancer James TheRobot.
It also features a sound and projection installation, alongside a postcard and spray paint wall, giving the feel of moving through a young person’s personal space. Visitors finally arrive in Underground Tad, a basement lit up by UV light with lyrics glowing on the wall alongside a soundtrack recorded by the young people.
The three established artists, commissioned in response to the young participants’ interests and ideas, are: writer, rapper and Guinness World Record-breaking human beatboxer Testament, whose work spans spoken word, theatre and music; dancer and facilitator James TheRobot, who explores how Hip Hop can empower communities and inspire social change; and photographer Matt Storm, who has worked with the group to capture portraits that reflect strength, identity and confidence.
Speaking about the project, Kirsty Perkins, lead youth worker at Tadcaster Barn, said: “This has been one of the most rewarding projects I have ever worked on.
“This particular cohort of young people would previously have never seen themselves as creative or artistic, so watching them throw themselves into this work to create some truly stunning pieces of art has been a joy.
“Communities often view young people through a negative lens, so I hope this exhibition shows them that there is so much more to our young members of the community.”
