Bournemouth: Our Young People’s View
A new photographic exhibition by young Bournemouth people is showing at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum until 7 November. Contemporary Views of Bournemouth aspires to challenge some of the negative perceptions held of young people in our communities by giving them a creative voice.
The exhibition gives a fascinating, and, at times unexpected, insight into how our young people really view their town. It includes subject matter from graffiti to nature and even some of the everyday characters who have a place in the town’s heart, like the Boscombe Market man who cheers everyone up.
Of her work ‘See no Evil’, artist Secret Cher, 14, says: "This bird has a pretty evil face. Tourists see the pretty bits of Bournemouth, like the sea and beach. What they don’t see is that if you live here [sic] Bournemouth has a hidden, evil face." By contrast, artist Jonesy’s, 14, touching ‘A Lifetime of Pleasure’ portrays the town’s multi-generational population.
Councillor Ian Lancashire, Cabinet Member Arts and Culture said: "This is a mesmerizing exhibition. This project has given many of the young people involved the impetus to take their photography talent further."
The Contemporary Views of Bournemouth exhibition is a partnership project between the Museum and the Council’s Children’s and Families’ Services and runs until 7 November at Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, East Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth BH1 3AA, www.russell-cotes.bournemouth.gov.uk. Free entry. Donations welcome.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
The image attached is ‘Cheery Market Man’ by Dale Rogers, 16. Dale says: "We wanted his picture. He just picked up the tomatoes and posed. He is a character of Bournemouth – makes it look cheery."
2. Children’s & Families’ Services at Bournemouth Borough Council work to engage children & young people in positive activities and encourage them to participate in events which involve showcasing their work to the community they live in.
3. Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is a Registered Charity (no. 306288) administered by Bournemouth Borough Council.
4. Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum in Bournemouth is a dramatic experience for visitors. The exuberance and variety of styles found within the building creates a unique atmosphere that is a mixture of both private house and public museum. Created by two dedicated collectors, the Russell-Cotes is a museum of national importance.
The galleries display a regularly changing programme of significant art. Famous permanent artworks include Dante Gabriel Charles Rossetti’s Venus Verticordia (oil on canvas (1864-68)) which has toured the world as one of the UK’s most acclaimed works of art.
5. Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays (closed Good Friday, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day), from 10am – 5pm and is at East Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth, BH1 3AA, UK, T. +44 (0)1202 451 858, www.russell-cotes.bournemouth.gov.uk
Contacts for media enquiries:
For further information about the exhibition and Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum:
Kerry Curtis, Marketing Manager, T. 01202 451823, E. kerry.curtis@bournemouth.gov.uk
For further information about Childrens and Families Services and Bournemouth Borough Council:
Tina Stokes, Media and Communications Officer, Corporate Communications, T. 01202 454668, E. tina.stokes@bournemouth.gov.uk
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