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The Big Issue Workshops
with the Surrey Youth Justice Service

2008 has seen the start of The Big Issue project, an exciting partnership between Watts Gallery and the staff and young people of Surrey Youth Justice Service.

Watts Gallery welcomed young people between the ages of 13-17 and introduced them to some of the art and history in their county. They had the opportunity to work alongside artists to produce works of art in a variety of media and in the relaxing and fascinating environment of a working gallery. For many of the young people this was a new experience.

These benefits include developing their art skills with one-to-one guidance of staff and artists, some have gone on to use this in their GCSE art work or to help inform their GCSE choices. Self-esteem has been raised as they made discoveries, worked with new materials and people and gained in confidence. They responded well to being shown how to use and consequently trusted with equipment such as cameras

The impressive sculptures by Watts at the Gallery inspired many of the participants to take unusual photos which then became an integral part of their artwork. It was exciting for them to experience this fusing of the traditional and modern and for Youth Justice Service staff to experiment with new ways of teaching, thinking and learning.

The combination of a welcoming environment and the support of staff and artists has truly enabled young people in Surrey to identify untapped potential and develop their skills. Hopefully in the future they will return to the Gallery independently and enjoy other cultural activities available to them.

Leanne Grindall

The Art for All Learning programme receives support from The Man Group Charitable Trust and the Peter Harrison Foundation