LONDON, ENGLAND.- Following a programme of workshops led by professional artists, 40 young people aged between 15-18 years are to transform their perceptions of London life into fascinating and eclectic pieces of visual art. The youngsters, having recently arrived in the UK from destinations such as Afghanistan, Iran Ghana, Congo, Somalia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guinea, Cote D’lvoire and China will be offering the public an insightful and poignant expression of their experiences in the city. Using the mediums of photography and painting, the exhibition will be rooted in the young people’s experiences of beginning a new life in one of the world’s most vibrant cities and will take place between 23rd April– 19th May at Oval House Café Gallery. The exhibition culminates a series of creative workshops undertaken by the young people as part of the Living Here project at Oval House Theatre; a three year participatory project that aims to offer opportunities to some of the most marginalised young people in society using the creative and expressive arts. This exhibition can be enjoyed by everyone, particularly those with an interest in the arts and local culture.

Oval House Theatre has established an extensive education programme that invites young people from Lambeth, and beyond to engage in the arts to help develop a host of skills that can work to enhance creativity, integration and personal development. The Living Here Project developed by Oval House Theatre in conjunction with the London Borough of Lambeth Ethnic Minority Achievement Department is committed to offering artistic approaches that do not rely on a common language to help build confidence, and develop skills in creative expression. Head of Arts Education Stella Barnes stresses the importance of this project, in particular the value of exhibiting this kind of work by stating that “the project has provided an enjoyable and uplifting experience for young people whose lives are complicated by challenges such as language, legal status and poverty. We believe that exhibiting the work will give young people the acknowledgement they deserve and help build their confidence and self esteem.” Admission to the exhibition is free.