Inspired by ...

The young people participating in the Journals project at UKYA10. In case you missed it, TMC worked with Architects of Air and Citizen’s Eye to create a one of a kind blogging station at the UK Artists Event in Derby. As part of our Big Lottery and Renaissance East Midlands funded 2009-12 Journals Project, we wanted to engage a younger audience in the inaugural event (a showcase for young artistic talent, 18-35). The Journals Project helps young people document their views and experiences of the Cultural Olympiad in the run up to London 2012. The journals they create will be deposited in the region’s archive offices, a permanently accessible account of these important events.

Having the stunning, inflatable Luminarium serve as base camp for our Journals residency (see here) really added to the status of the young bloggers, giving them a prime location from which they could capture, record and disseminate their Journals. There just wasn’t enough bandwidth to keep them going! And they really benefited from their ‘access all areas’ passes too - Terry Shave, Chair of the UK Young Artists Board gave the project a fabulous name-check in his opening remarks on launch night after his encounter with a young journalist - thanks Terry! We look forward to working with you again on future events.

UKYA is an event close to our hearts as it aims to celebrate and extend young talent. On launch night, Calum Stewart gave an impressive performance on the wooden flute, illustrating how traditional and contemporary sensibilities can combine through stunning technique. A thrilling start to an astonishing few days of art and ambition. Congratulations to everyone involved. Next stop – World Young Artists in 2012.

More information about the Journals Project is available at http://www.themightycreatives.com/journals