WWI

Young people from Caerphilly County Borough have created sculptures in commemoration of the First World War.  The artworks were produced during a twelve-week project organised in partnership between Head4Arts and Caerphilly County Borough Council Youth Services Hub Team.

The artworks were created by young people from the Mid Valleys West and Caerphilly Basin Lansbury Park Hub groups.  Both groups were inspired by the centenary of the First World War and decided to make memorials to remember those who were affected by the conflict.

During the project, the young people learned more about World War One by taking part in a research trip to the Imperial War Museum, London.  The groups furthered their creative skills by working alongside professional artists to explore different artforms, including collage and mono-printing with Rhian Anderson and storytelling and performance with Mike Church.

Following this period of creative research, the young people worked with lead artist Cindy Ward to make and design their sculptures.  Both groups have interpreted their findings in different ways to produce two unique pieces of commemorative art; with the Lansbury Park group drawing inspiration from hand painted camouflaged helmets and the Mid Valleys West  group choosing to create a copper silhouette of a WW1 solider.

The young people involved also had an opportunity to work towards an Explore Arts Award accreditation as part of the project.

The sculptures were launched at a presentation event in the Winding House Museum, New Tredegar where they have been displayed throughout the Easter holidays.  The artworks will later be re-located to Van Community Centre and Markham Leisure Centre.

Youth Worker, Deb Greenway said “The young people involved have taken so much from the project, they have been able to learn more about an important part of our history in an engaging and creative way.  Displaying the sculptures in our local museum has enabled lots of community members to view the work and appreciate the talents of our young people”.

For more information about Head4Arts, visit www.head4arts.org.uk  or contact info@Head4Arts.org.uk / 01495 357816