Collective: Swaffham’s young people explore their local heritage

The group have identified the most important aspects of the project as;

‘Listening’ – to each other, the past and the present.
‘Accepting’ our own histories, as well as demonstrating our right and rights of others to share ideas and opinions in a tolerant supportive environment
‘Collaborating’ to generate ideas and make the project happen.

The project has been delivered in partnership between the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts Norwich and Swaffham Museum Heritage Collection, funded by Arts Council England.

The collective is comprised of young people aged between 14 and 18, museum director Sue Gattuso, artist Ian Brownlie and learning project manager Hannelore Baxter. The opportunity has been designed to give the young people from Swaffham a voice to share their experience and develop a closer connection to the museum and their local heritage. The group have been exploring the Conflict and Consequence gallery and considering challenges that face us now.

Artist statement Alice:

I chose to draw the model of the HMS Victory. I really like boats, its not something that is part of my heritage, but sailing is something that I want to do. I love being by the sea, we visit a lot as a family. My house is being renovated and there is a lot going on all the time – I like the idea of escaping away to the peacefulness of the ocean.

The object that represents conflict for me is a Razor; I wasn’t allowed to shave my head in school. In lock down I did that – it felt freeing to me.

I like going to museums, but sometimes they have a weird vibe, making me anxious for no reason. Responding to the collection at Swaffham Museum Heritage Collection and looking at objects in more depth and creatively has made the experience less intimidating.

I have enjoyed the routine of a regular session, having finished college, the project has made the week more structured for me. I have always studied art as school and college. I have enjoyed meeting people and as a group choosing what to focus on.

I would like people to look at conflicts from different angles – maybe other people’s perspectives. But also remember not to dwell on them, seek help from others, take a step back sometimes.

Artist statement Ben:

I have enjoyed meeting new young people in the community and hearing their opinions on current issues.

The museum in Swaffham is a staple in the town and therefore a lot of people are going to visit and see the gallery and our exhibition and hear our voices.

I chose to draw the glasses as they represent the ablism (discrimination) I have faced as disabled person. The shell compact represents the ongoing erosion of sea cliffs and the loss of homes occurring.

A lot of the discrimination that occurs today is interlinked with each other as it usually is the same groups that go after vulnerable people. I would like people to be more considerate of what they are saying and think first about the circumstances that person could be in.

I would like for there to be more projects for both young and older people in Swaffham as there has been a lack of them since the covid pandemic.

Artist Statement Grace:

I brought in Fred, he is the same age as me. Every time I have been ill or hurt he has been with me. He is a bit broken and has paint on his tail, but he has accompanied me in all the hard times. I chose to draw and make a print of the flower, as it is the image I always draw.

The project has given me an excuse to get out of the house, I like getting involved with things although I sometimes find it scary to meet new people, but the art has been a distraction to this.
I have had some close friends in the group as well, it’s been fun to work alongside them. I would like the opportunity to get involved with more projects.

I love history and the element that it can be in anything if you think about it enough.

Artist Statement Gracie-Mae:

The object I chose to draw from the collection was the cross, I was really drawn to the name on the cross and the cross really represents conflict for me. I have enjoyed the lino printing. Coming to the museum has introduced me to new people and encouraged me to be more social.

My object is something I made when I was 10, with the help of my social worker, I struggled with anger and the colours represent different things for me. Sometimes it reminds of bad times but other times it brings positive memories – I feel like I have made progress.

I wasn’t really that interested in museums before, but I have to started to search up more information on other museums, I would like to see more projects that are for all age groups, I feel like things should be for all, equally accessible to everyone.

Artist Statement Sarah-Jane:

It has been fun to be a part of the project, I have been sharing my voice through printmaking. We have been discussing the problems we face today and how the world is and what we can do about.

The objects I have chosen are connected to past memories for me, sometimes I don’t want to talk about them but it has been good to face them.

The object I contributed that represents conflict for me is a pressure bandage that I had to use to keep my arm from swelling. I was born with a medical condition, and this has been a big challenge for me. I have had to make lots of trips to London for specialist check ups, and on a daily basis life is stressful.

I love history, its been brilliant to connect my knowledge with some of the objects in the collection. I have loved making artwork in response to the objects – its made me relax and forget stress.
I would like to continue to connect what has happened in the past to what is happening in the current day.

Artist Statement Tibby:

I chose the cube and a compact mirror to draw and make prints of.

The cracked mirror I have put into the case is a mirror that my dad made. It was the first piece he made. I use it every day when I am getting ready for Sea Cadets, to make sure that I am dressed appropriately. It helped me gain an award for best dressed cadet. Sea Cadets is a great place to learn, meet new people and get to know new stuff and go new places. It upsets me that I dropped it and cracked it but it still functions.

I have enjoyed working creatively looking at the museum collection. I have learnt new skills and enjoyed lino printing. I have met new people and learnt about the museum itself.

Quote Sue Gattuso (Museum Director):

Swaffham Heritage has been delighted to welcome the current and past students from the Nicholas Hamond Academy to work with us in our Conflict and Consequences Gallery and we are very grateful to the Sainsbury Centre in making this possible.

The combination of art, museum and the thoughts and mindset of young people is an interesting and illuminating combination and I have learnt a lot – from making tiny booklets and lino cuts to the fears and ambitions of the students. Their work has enhanced and developed our Gallery and I am very grateful for that.

 

Quotes from young people:

I would like people to look at conflicts from different angles – maybe other people’s perspectives. But also remember not to dwell on them, seek help from others, take a step back sometimes.

Alice

I love history and the element that it can be in anything if you really think about it enough

Tibby

I have enjoyed meeting new young people in the community and hearing their opinions on current issues. The museum in Swaffham is a staple in the town and therefore a lot of people are going to visit and see the gallery and our exhibition and hear our voices.

Ben

I would like to see more projects that are for all age groups, I feel like things should be for all, equally accessible to everyone.

Grace