Young people Speak Up at Lowry!

Taking over the Lowry building, there were live performances, art installations, film screenings and interactive pieces that asked what changes they want to see in the world. Hosted by young people, for young people, the day was a celebration of arts and culture within education, highlighting the power of young people, the importance of creativity and the impact this can make.

THE Tree, Fred Longworth High School, Photo Credit Owen Peters

Students from 15 local secondary schools across Salford, Wigan and Rochdale have been taking part in Speak Up over the past three years. Speak Up is a secondary school programme that sees young people working in collaboration with local artists and teachers to co-create artistic responses to issues that are most important to them. The programme encourages new ways for young people to think, see and bring about change, whilst helping participants to develop self-expression, well-being and personal skills.

"Speak Up is almost like a big family you can always talk to and you'll be supported no matter what. I feel like I've progressed in so many ways since joining, especially in my confidence.  Speak Up helps people to understand young people more and we can be heard. It is a space where everyone is listened to and cared about.” - Speak Up Participant

Photo Credit, Owen Peters

Throughout Speak Up, Lowry has taken over 40 local professional artists into schools to work with students, covering art forms from film and drama to visual art and photography. Young people have explored a range of topics that resonate with them, focusing on themes of self-identity, place and belonging and primarily the importance of equity of access to the arts and creative provision.

This event formed part of celebrations taking place in nine Theatre Nation Partnership areas across England, a collaborative network of arts organisations which aim to create more opportunities for people to engage with theatre.

The celebrations culminated in the Speak Up: Arts Everywhere Symposium at the National Theatre on Thursday 24 July led by the Speak Up Council, who represent young people across England. Two young people from Greater Manchester were part of the team hosting the event, speaking about the changes they want to see in the education system for a brighter and more creative future for all young people.

Amelia and Alisa, Speak Up Council Members for Greater Manchester

Ella Dufton, Speak Up Project Manager at Lowry said:

“Speak Up is a powerful reminder of what happens when young people are truly listened to and given the space to become creative leaders. Over the past three years we have seen students grow in confidence, creativity and ambition; making work about world issues that has impacted audiences and made real positive change within their communities.”

You can find out more about the programme here: Speak Up | National Theatre

Speak Up is generously funded by the Mohn Westlake Foundation.