Young people in Bristol respond to the climate crisis with ‘This Can Change’ – a new photography exhibition to launch at We The Curious

Educational charity and science centre, We The Curious is launching a new photography exhibition ‘This Can Change’; opening on Wednesday 8 December it will feature 130 images submitted by the young people of Bristol in response to the climate crisis. This exhibition is generously supported by LifewithArt. 

Launched just before COP26, We The Curious issued a photography callout that asked young people aged 11-18 to submit photos on the theme of ‘this can change’; submissions were received from schools across the city, including Ashton Park, Bristol Brunel Academy, North Bristol Post-16 College, Redmaids and St Mary Redcliffe.

We The Curious also ran a series of photography workshops as part of the callout, with Bristol Cathedral Choir School, The Hope School, Knowle West Media Centre, BoomSatsuma and The Listening Partnership.  

The final images will be displayed in the gallery-space ‘The Box’ in We The Curious, with the final 130 images in display through a mix of print and digital projection.  

The exhibition forms part of We The Curious’ current wave of programming activities themed around ‘A Better World Is Possible’. This features a series of activities which visitors can take part in, all with the aim of looking at the personal actions, both small and large, that we can all take to move towards a more sustainable future.   

Julian Welsh, Education Programme Innovator for We The Curious said:  

“Young people have arguably been leading the conversation and push for action in the climate crisis, so it’s important for us to provide a platform for secondary students in Bristol to show us how the city looks in their eyes. It’s been a collaborative process in the development of the workshops and curation of the exhibition, which has brought a wonderful, fresh perspective to the process itself, and the final selection of images. We’re hoping that it will inspire change and action, for a better future.”   

David Pigott, Chair of Trustees, LifewithArt added:

“At LifewithArt we know what a positive impact art can have on empowering young people and giving them a voice. Sponsoring this project has given us a wonderful opportunity to engage with young people, on a topic which they feel so passionately about, whilst meeting one of our key objectives of supporting a diverse range of young people through the arts. We are looking forward to rolling out the ‘This Can Change’ exhibition to our nationwide Charity Arts Centres, giving more people the opportunity to enjoy and reflect upon the images.”

‘This Can Change’ launches on 8 December, and is included in general admission to We The Curious. All tickets must be pre-booked, visit wethecurious.org  

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For more information, images, interviews or to arrange a press trip, please contact Jen.Forster@wethecurious.org or call 07967 334152.  

You can follow We The Curious on Twitter (@wethecurious_) Facebook (wethecurious) or Instagram (@wethecurious_). For more information, please visit www.wethecurious.org

Editor’s Notes:

About We The Curious: 

We The Curious is an educational charity and South West England’s leading science centre. We produce experiences that bring people together to play, get creative with science and explore different ideas. We work with partners locally and nationally, supporting people to be inquisitive, develop new skills and improve their wellbeing.

Our vision asks ‘what if everyone is included, curious and inspired by science to build a better world together?’

About LifewithArt:

LifewithArt is an educational charity that uses art as a tool to enrich lives, reduce isolation, nurture self-esteem and encourage inclusion. Our art, music and drama workshops help hundreds of clients across the UK each year - teaching art skills and providing opportunities to be creative and socialise. Visitors to LifewithArt national Charity Arts Centres can enjoy thought provoking photographic exhibitions highlighting the work and activities of our associated charities. We are most proud of our LifewithArt exhibition which showcases the incredible artwork produced by members of the public who have attended our workshops around the country.

Image credit: Eli, age 13