Get creative this summer with THG’s Youth Network

Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG) launches a free brand new youth network and wider programme for the young people of East Devon.

THG's Create Our Space (COS) Youth Network invites 16 -25 year olds to collaborate, learn something different, get creative and shape the future of THG!

The project is led by young people - for young people. It combines creativity and learning with support for mental health, wellness and enjoyment of the outdoors. THG will be a place where young people are represented and can shape and co-create cultural experiences for their communities.

Youth Network members will have a chance to learn something through different free workshops in exhibition making, creative writing, the climate emergency and digital communication, youth-produced off-site projects and exhibitions, youth-led digital resources, events and workshops.

The first Network Meeting in May proved a great success involving a sculpting activity led by artist Alistair Lambert with support from University of Exeter Intern Ciara Devaney-Dykes

One participant, Brittany, said: "I really enjoy the idea of collaborating together, taking into account ideas I may not have considered. I am enthusiastic to learn more about the behind the scenes of an exhibition process: curating, marketing and participating, it's all really exciting!"

The next COS Youth Network event will take place on 14 June. Enjoy an exceptional opportunity to work alongside exhibiting artist Corinna Wagner. Discover the technical aspects of exhibiting, curating and creating a show alongside THG's expert technician.

On 13 July discover printmaking techniques as THG prepares their Creative Cabin activities for the Exmouth Festival. Participants will learn how to create prints and use letter press such as posters and bunting. In addition to the printmaking there will be an opportunity for socialising and viewing the new exhibition TerraOceanus plus a Private View of the exhibition in the new COS project space.

Wednesday 23 August, 5-7pm Display artworks created during the ‘Summer Art Week’ (see below) with support from THG’s expert Art Technician.

Ciara Devaney-Dykes, a University of Exeter undergraduate, who is leading the COS project said:"We would love more members. If you are 16-25 years old and want to get involved, please come along to our next event on 14 June. Email us at info@thelmahulbert.com to receive the brief. We can't wait to see you here!"

Councillor Nick Hookway, East Devon District Council's Portfolio Holder for Culture, Leisure, Sport and Tourism, commented:

"This is a really exciting project for young people to get involved with locally based artists and creatives to gain the skills and understanding necessary to create exhibitions that promote their own work. The wide-ranging nature of this project will appeal to many and help to those who are participating to establish those networking opportunities that are so important for their creative lives.

"I would like to thank all those who have helped to set and run this partnership project which is so important for our community."

Furthermore all young people age 11 – 25 will have numerous free opportunities to get involved in THG's programme of photography, film, music, painting and much more.

Activity summary:

Masterpieces programme for ages 12-16: Get creative every other Wednesday during term time from 4:30-6pm. Experiment with a range of artistic processes as seen in our exhibitions also contributing to an Arts Award, if desired.

Family workshops at THG and across East Devon with the Creative Cabin

Saturday 29 – Monday 31 July: Exmouth Festival @ Sideshore part of Marine Week 2023
15 – 18 August: Summer Art Week – particularly aimed at 11 to 17 year olds – there will be a week of artist-led activities to generate art work to be a part of the Create Our Space gallery exhibition that will run alongside the THG Open
Friday 25 August: Seaton Children’s Festival
Saturday 9 September: Ottery Family and Food Festival
Friday 22 September: To celebrate Organic September we will have one of our special evening events in the THG garden with music, food and creative activities.

For more information visit www.thelmahulbert.com