British Art Show inspires young artists’ showcase

Young artists from across the West Midlands will have their work showcased at the University of Wolverhampton and Wolverhampton Art Gallery after being inspired by British Art Show 9 (BAS9).

Over 120 artworks from 23 schools and colleges will be displayed at Wolverhampton School of Art and Wolverhampton Art Gallery, in celebration of the creative achievements of local young people.

The exhibition will launch on April 25 and run until May 5. A special open day will also take place on Saturday 30 April for family and friends of the young artists.

In the run-up to the showcase, students worked closely with teachers and local artists to create stunning contemporary art in response to the Inspired by British Art Show 9 Arts Connect Learning Programme.

The Inspired by British Art Show 9 Arts Connect Learning Programme is a collaboration between the University of Wolverhampton, Arts Connect, local teachers, young people and artists who have worked together to create dynamic contemporary arts programmes in schools across the West Midlands.

For this exhibition, the learning programme explored contemporary visual art and worked in new and exciting ways to encourage young people to investigate their own identities, looking at how art can reflect the real world and become a powerful form of self-expression.

Becky Thompson, Arts Connect BAS9 Learning Programme Manager at the University of Wolverhampton said: “Since 2020, when the Inspired by BAS9 Arts Connect Learning programme started, our aim has been to show young people that contemporary art is such a varied and exciting thing that is accessible to everyone. It’s been amazing to see how young artists have grown through what have been two very challenging years and how creating artwork has been a way to explore and cope with the things going on around them.

“The Inspired by BAS9 Young Artist Showcase is a space for young people to be recognised for their creative skills and the energy they have dedicated to making unique and exciting contemporary artwork.”

Students from Colton Hills Community School will be exhibiting a range of their artwork at the showcase.

Hannah Willets, teacher of art at Colton Hills commented: “It is such a valuable experience for our students to have their work displayed publicly. It builds their confidence by giving them the opportunity to showcase their creativity and individual identity.”

Emma Shuttleworth, a Year 8 student at Colton Hills Community school is pleased to have her work exhibited. Emma said: “I like my work being showcased in an exhibition because it allows me to be a part of something that allows me to express myself. I also like this because when there is a theme, I get to see others' interpretations.”

Exhibiting schools include:

Aldersley High School

Arc School Old Arley

City of Wolverhampton College

Colton Hills Community School

Coppice Performing Arts School

Dawley Brook Primary

Dudley College

Holy family Catholic Primary School

Merstone school

Moreton School

Nunnery Wood High School

Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School

Pegasus Academy

Q3 Academy Langley

Sandwell College

Shepwell School

St Michaels’ C of E High School

Stow Heath Primary

Sutton Coldfield College

The Phoenix Collegiate

The Westminster School

Thorns Collegiate Academy

Willenhall E-Act Academy

Wolverhampton Grammar School

To find out more about the Inspired by BAS9 Young Artists Showcase contact Becky Thompson at R.Thompson6@wlv.ac.uk.

To find out more about the University’s School of Art click here.