ThinkForward young people from Bluecoat Beechdale Academy in Nottingham were invited to collaborate with world-renowned artist and take over The Space at The Nottingham Contemporary for a special exhibition of their artwork from Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th February, 11am – 3pm.

At the Bluecoat Beechdale Academy ThinkForward supports young people most disengaged from school. Head teacher Carl Elder explains, “ThinkForward and this project with Nottingham Contemporary supports young people most at risk of unemployment. It allows them to explore the world of work and other opportunities to maximize the chances of them finding something that motivates and engages them.”

The young people were featured on BBC Radio Nottingham on the Andy Whittaker and Sarah Julian show. To listen to the full interview at 2hrs 53 mins click here.

The Start programme at Nottingham Contemporary, funded by Children & the Arts and The Mighty Creatives, and supported by Writing East Midlands, aims to engage and inspire students through the Arts. The programme increases young people’s confidence to develop and express their ideas and opinions as well as encouraging a sense of pride and achievement through the exhibition and celebration of their work.

ThinkForward provides long-term, personalised Coaching to young people in schools with the highest risk of unemployment to enable them to transition into sustained work.

Start at Nottingham Contemporary funded by Children & the Arts Photo by Sam Kirby