Sunderland youngsters proud to see their artwork on display at exhibition
The exhibition is now in its eighth year
Youngsters from St Anthony's Girls' Catholic Academy are revelling in seeing their artwork on display in an exhibition at Washington Arts Centre.
Now in it eighth year, The Bright Lights Youth Arts Exhibition showcases the “exceptional creativity of local students”.
The exhibition offers young people the opportunity to have their work displayed in the venue’s main gallery.
Submissions undergo a competitive selection and curation process led by the Celebrate Difference Collective, a group of 13–25-year-olds from across Sunderland who co-produce cultural events with support from Sunderland Culture.
This year’s theme, ‘Connections,’ “inspired a diverse range of artistic responses”.
Seeing their work on display has inspired the youngsters to hopefully see their work displayed in future exhibitions.
Year 12 student Fern said: “I was really proud to see my work on display, surrounded by other great pieces of art from across the community.”
Classmate Francesca added: “It gives a real sense of purpose to see my work, beyond just my classwork.”
Dominic Campbell, Subject Leader for Art and Photography at St Anthony’s, said: “As you can see from the exhibition, our students’ work is a shining example of the talent and ability we see every day.
“It is fantastic to see students gaining recognition beyond the classroom, and we are exceptionally proud and privileged to be surrounded by such amazing creativity.”
Daniel Appleby, Learning and Engagement Assistant at the Washington Arts Centre, added: “Year on year, we are absolutely bowled over by St Anthony’s submissions to the Bright Lights: Youth Arts Exhibition, and this year is no different.
“The quality of the work is consistently high, and the students’ exploration of the theme is always original – these young artists have a very bright future.”