Impact Arts Launch Year of Young People Exhibition in Paisley

Today saw Impact Arts launch their grand opening of the MYRAID photo exhibition in the Wynd Centre in Paisley. This exhibition, in association with the Scottish Governments Year of Young People, displays photos taken by young people aged between 16-19 years old.

Ten Impact Arts trainees on the Advanced Creative Pathways programme in Renfrewshire have been studying different techniques in photography for the past eight weeks and have created an eclectic exhibition including light-drawing, portraiture, landscapes, still life and more. The work has been inspired by the things that matter to them most – be it a local forest, a family member, or a collection of treasured items.

The Advanced Creative Pathways programme is funded by Invest in Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire Council and the European Social Fund. The aim of the six month programme is to give young people a start in community arts while taking their first steps towards a future in the creative industries.

Impact Arts is a community arts charity working across the Scottish central belt opening up access to creative arts activities to children, young people and older people – with the majority of this work taking place in areas of deprivation.

Paisley and Renfrewshire South MP, Mhairi Black, attended the launch of the exhibition, she said:

“Today saw Impact Arts put on an excellent exhibition in the Wynd Centre. The artwork on display was thought provoking and really creative, the event was well attended. The exhibition was sponsored by the Scottish Government’s Year of Young People and it was inspirational to see our own young talented people from Renfrewshire get the recognition that they deserve for their work. Well done to everyone that took part.”

Local SNP councillor Emma Rodden added:

“All too often, young people are disregarded and overlooked due to pre-formed judgements and negative connotations. It is refreshing that in Scotland’s Year of Young People we have exhibitions like this which prove our young people to be diverse in their attitudes and forward thinking in their outlook.

“The talent on show today was outstanding and I am proud to support Impact Arts and the individuals who exhibited in their endeavours.”