2.8 Million Minds is one of my favourite projects I’ve worked on so far and close to my heart. Working with young people using textiles/poetry to reimagine journalling and contribute to a manifesto was a really beautiful process. Presenting this in the House fo Parliament felt like real change could be made. Art I more than just output, it is my therapy. It hears me when I can’t even manage whispers, allows me to truly express myself and it really was my saviour from a young age through to the present. I hope to provide the opportunity to find the same solace I find through creating. There has been so many cuts in funding in arts for young people, when art can be a vital tool in personal growth and understanding of thyself. It’s a shame in a way that it takes projects like these for this to be recognised. But I’m grateful that projects like these exist, to give some young people a chance to tap into their creativity and expression and lay the foundation for future footsteps to follow.
To rely on healing to happen solely in adulthood is a disservice to your spirit. Healing doesn’t just start in adulthood, it starts from childhood through being seen, being heard, being validated, being loved, being reminded that life actually sucks sometimes but it’s going to be alright. This is me just saying in a long way BUN ABLEISM, BUN TAKING AWAY FROM THE YOUTH, NAVIGATE THROUGH LOVE AND FUND THE ARTS THANK YOU❗️❗️❗️
A big shout out to @vacuumcleanerart for leading this entire project-a true star, @yomi_sode, @bxwarnock for the amazing work they did with their groups of young people, @seth_pimlott, @sai_isabella, @aminajluul, @zoe.whitley, @chisenhalegallery helping to produce/facilitate the workshops/artwork and looking after me, @linda_florence@shonibarestudio assisting me with the co created garment between the young people and I, to @bgartscentre, to the amazing team I can’t fit in this caption, to Lloyd @towerhamletsnow CAMHS, and most importantly the young people who brought themselves to create and trust in this process. icl, real tears were shed seeing this manifest.
I urge you to read the manifesto co-created by the young people/artists - link in my bio ❗️