The Foundling Museum is exhibiting the finest and most exciting examples of works submitted through the Flourish programme. Curated by Beatty Hallas, Flourish was set up in 2006 as a response to the frustration voiced by looked-after artists about the lack of opportunity to show their work. It is a showcase for young artists to express themselves and challenge preconceptions of the care system.
The works displayed vary in subject matter and medium, from photography to mosaic to poetry and the age of artists represented range from 6 to 25 years old. Since 2006 Flourish has continued to champion looked-after artists’ works, inspire creativity and celebrate such colourful talent hoping to encourage confidence and skills toward creative careers.
Holding a new exhibition each year, Flourish was the first national programme to promote artwork by young people with such a diverse history of care. A Flourish board was set up in 2006 with artists, now including those involved in the first show, who select artworks for new shows and advise on policy. It asks artists to make a formal application, giving details about their work and submitting an artist’s statement highlighting aspirations and telling their story. This surprising and imaginative artwork is featured in a full colour catalogue.
Flourish is showing two films on its website to coincide with the exhibition www.flourish-art.org // [email protected]
Image: Ealing looked-after children, Tokens, 2008,
Photograph, 30.5 x 45.7cm © Subhadassi
