CHILDREN who have experienced the care system in Coventry have collaborated on a pop-up art display at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum.
The display opened to the public on August, 23 and is called The Unspoken Word of Art.
The concept was started by 18 year old care-leaver Shali who encouraged other children to create works about their experiences within the theme of ‘Express Yourself’.
Alongside Child Friendly Cov, part of the City Council’s One Coventy plan, children between four and 18 used art as a way to express feelings.
The work is on display in the Herbert, overlooking the atrium which holds Dippy the dinosaur.
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.
“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.”
Coun Pat Seaman, cabinet member, children and young people, said she was thrilled to be at the Herbert for the 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 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.”
