Generation Change was a collaboration between Super Slow Way and Blaze, where young people in Burnley were able to use the power of their creativity and imagination to shed light on issues which were important to them. Previously known as ‘The Thompson Park Project’, the first project took place in 2018/19, exploring and demonstrating the damage which plastic wrought on the local environment. The second project followed in 2020/21; in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, young producers drew attention to the impact it had on mental health and happiness in the form of an impressive art installation.
Project Plastic
This project sought to shine a spotlight on the issue of plastic pollution in the local environment. Using a social action campaign, the young producers brought attention to the issue in relation to the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Thompson Park, and the River Brun, in addition to using the campaign to raise awareness of wider environmental issues also. The project culminated in an incredible light show in collaboration with internationally acclaimed light artists Illuminous, with the performance being shown in the park in February 2019.
COVID-19: The Impact on Mental Health and Happiness
In 2020/21, Artist Tina Dempsey worked alongside Super Slow Way & Blaze with a group of young people in Burnley, to explore the impact of COVID-19 on their happiness and mental wellbeing and how they can have a positive impact on their town during the current pandemic through art.
‘Art is one of the ways I’ve been able to express my emotions…it’s helped me so much to pull through some really dark times’ – Generation Change Participant
As with many things during the pandemic, with the project taking place at the height of the pandemic in the midst of lockdowns, we had to adapt to the ever-changing situation. Finding new, remote ways to work and create spaces where people felt safe to talk and share their personal experiences.
From a number of recorded interviews with young people, who opened up about their feelings of the pressure they felt is put on young people and the power of art, Tina created a series of text-based posters that formed a large installation in the pavilion at Thompson Park. Many of the posters were direct quotes from our participants, while others were highlighting common concerns and issues that young people are dealing with.
‘When you’re younger as well…you get told how to think and you start not being able to think for yourself. It’s a pressure and it stops you from doing what you want to do’ – Generation Change Participant
To continue the conversation, Tina invited art students at Burnley College to respond to themes raised in the project and make work that shone a light on their experience of living through the pandemic.
‘There’s so much pressure on young people to do well and decide what they want to do later in life. People need more time.’ – Generation Change Participant
All the work can be seen on our Generation Change Burnley Instagram account. Tina Dempsey’s practice is all about exploring place via a process of collecting and examining what’s found. Using a range of processes; drawing, collage, sculpture and microscopic investigations to better understand the social and geographical landscape she finds herself in.
To see more of the project, head over to the instagram: @generationchangeburnley