Unity Through Struggle | Exploring Senses

Unity Through Struggle
by Exploring Senses

Unity Through Struggle – Project Exhibition and workshops at Jubilee Library, Brighton

Introduction

Unity Through Struggle is a collaborative art project initiated by David Allistone in response to the pressing social issues faced by young people today. Inspired by Allistone's interactive sound artworks exhibited during Brighton Fringe 2017, this project emerged from a strong desire to address and document the struggles and injustices affecting the youth.

Project Origin and Development

In October 2016, local young artist Thabo Gulu approached Exploring Senses, captivated by Allistone’s interactive sound artworks from the ‘Who Sampled Who – Fallen Hip Hop Legends’ exhibition at Jubilee Library. Motivated by this inspiration, Thabo sought guidance from Allistone to create his own artworks. Within two weeks, Thabo, along with a group of college friends, formed the arts crew that would eventually bring Unity Through Struggle to life.

Themes and Objectives

The project reflects the young artists' concerns about:

The impact of political decisions on their futures.
Increasing poverty and the treatment of refugees.
The broader implications of societal injustices.

The goal of Unity Through Struggle was to document these issues through art and provide a platform for young people to express their perspectives on the struggles of their time.

Funding and Support

Initially, the project faced financial challenges. However, thanks to the efforts of arts crew members Sam McBride and Thabo Gulu, the project secured ‘O2 Think Big Funding’. Additional support came through various funding applications by David Allistone, with Santander providing crucial financial assistance to facilitate the production of the artworks.

Creation and Exhibition

Over the course of six months, Allistone mentored Thabo and his peers in creating the artworks for the exhibition. Despite the challenges, including the young people's exam commitments, they persevered to produce pieces that authentically represent their experiences and concerns.

The artworks were created using a diverse range of techniques and materials, including:

Hand printed textiles
Digitally printed textiles
3D pens
Interactive sound art using conductive ink and digital technologies
Spray paint on wooden panels
Silkscreen printing
Photographs
Digital and hand-drawn illustrations
Etchings

The exhibition took place between May and June 2017, with artworks displayed at Jubilee Library.

Acknowledgments

David Allistone extends gratitude to:

All youth and adult artists involved in the project.
Brighton Youth Centre and BACA school for providing space for meetings and planning.
Jubilee Library for hosting the exhibition.

Art Studio

All artworks were produced in-house at the Exploring Senses digital print studio located at Brighton Aldridge Community Academy, Falmer, Brighton.

About Exploring Senses

Exploring Senses CIC is a local not-for-profit community arts organization dedicated to fostering creativity and providing opportunities for artistic expression.

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