LONDON.- Many young people grow up in difficult and chaotic circumstances, with little self esteem, security or positive role models. Constantly in the news for the wrong reasons, the problem of disaffected youths, street crime and the devastating effect of growing gang culture can feel out of control, to such an extent the Mayor’s office is taking it on as a priority.

For six years Dulwich Picture Gallery's Education Department has been running evening sessions for young people on an estate in Lambeth. The Gallery has partnered with Alford House Youth Club which serves three large council estates between Brixton and Kennington in Lambeth, one of London's poorest boroughs. The aim is to get the kids off the street and to give them a sense of self worth.

Every week professional artists teach young people at drop-in workshops where they experience success and discover their creative potential.

To celebrate Kennington Kids and their achievements, Dulwich Picture Gallery organised a remarkable exhibition of their work. The response was astounding and the media coverage exceptional, with two showings on BBC Television News and filming by Al Jazeera UK.

Dulwich Picture Gallery is now pleased to announce that ‘Kennington Kids: Raw Urban’ will be shown at City Hall from 6th January 2009 until 30th January 2009. Once again this extraordinary exhibition will provide a unique opportunity for these boys to show their astonishing art work.