Swindon exhibition created by young people coming to close

The exhibition, named Pieces of Me, is the first community-led exhibition at Museum & Art Swindon and has been described as a "powerful exploration of identity."

It was produced and curated by a team of 16 to 25-year-olds as part of the year-long Where We Are project.

Beatrice in front of her work at the Pieces of Me exhibition (Image: Swindon Borough Council) The project was run jointly by Museum & Art Swindon, The British Museum, and Prime Theatre.

After working with artists to explore their place within heritage and arts in Swindon, the group worked alongside staff at Museum & Art Swindon to design and create the exhibition.

It aims to share their explorations of identity and invite visitors to join the conversation.

Jared in front of his work at the Pieces of Me exhibition (Image: Swindon Borough Council) The exhibition, which runs until Saturday, September 28, showcases the young people’s work alongside modern and contemporary artworks from Museum & Art Swindon’s collections.

Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for planning and placemaking, said: "The Pieces of Me exhibition is an incredible showcase of the talent we have in Swindon and I’m so pleased that the town’s young people have been able to get involved.

Hector behind his work at the Pieces of Me exhibition with councillor Marina Strinkovsky (Image: Swindon Borough Council) "Art is a pleasure that should be open to all, and ‘Where we are…’ is an opportunity for people to see themselves as participant-creators in the cultural landscape of Swindon.

"The resulting exhibition is touching, thought-provoking and, frequently, very funny.

"If you haven’t been to see it, what are you waiting for? Go and check it out, it’s really worth your time."

Mags Parker, learning and engagement officer at Museum & Art Swindon, added: "We’re incredibly proud of the young people involved in this project and what they’ve achieved.

Young people cut a ribbon to open Museum & Art Swindon in July (Image: Swindon Borough Council) "This exhibition is a mark of their courage. They challenged themselves, tried new things and explored some difficult topics. The resulting message of hope is a positive one for us all.

"It’s a tremendous start to our new programme of community projects and we look forward to working with more of Swindon’s communities as we continue to share Museum & Art Swindon’s collections as widely as possible."

Pieces of Me is part of Museum & Art Swindon’s wider youth programme, RAW.

The Pieces of Me exhibition (Image: Swindon Borough Council) The programme supports young people to be involved in the work of the museum and gain new skills.

It forms part of an ongoing programme of community-led projects and exhibitions at the museum which includes partnerships with charities and community organisations and a volunteering programme,