‘People Like Us’
An arts & health programme with Gladstone House Secure Children’s Service in partnership with National Museums Liverpool (Community Partnerships Team)
SAFE encouraged the children to explore different aspects of their cultural heritage. The project culminated in the creation of a mosaic incorporating designs that were meaningful to them as individuals and as a group.
The works were co-produced over a period of three months with the young people leading the way in terms of design and construction. Initially the group focused on Liverpool’s architectural heritage; they subsequently explored the legacy of immigration and the contribution made by new arrivals to the culture of the city.
National Museums Liverpool provided artefacts from their collections, awakening an interest in heritage. International musicians visited the home performing Kurdish and African music including a performance from community poet, Curtis Watt
Brian, Project Manager:
“Gladstone House is a secure unit; the children are unable to get out and about to learn about heritage so we decided to bring heritage to them. We worked closely with them to overcome barriers and ignite a sense of curiosity. The children undoubtedly benefited from the project”
Tony Jones, North West Regional Manager (Heritage Lottery Fund) summed up the programme:
“We constantly strive to open up heritage to as many people as possible and we’re committed to involving people from all walks of life. This project is a prime example of that and we’re delighted to have been able to fund it … many of the children involved suffer from behavioural problems or social welfare orders but that doesn’t mean that they’re not interested in heritage … This project will bring heritage to the kids – they even get the opportunity to handle thousands of years of history … by learning about their own heritage we hope their self esteem improves and pride in their city be restored”
