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Urban Youth Project
Autumn 2006

On 27 November 2006 the Courtyard was transformed into a bustling street scene. Graffiti on walls, young people in hoodies, shopping trolleys and a burger van set the scene to showcase seven young artists' work.

The artwork, which included two large graffitiwalls, a photography exhibition and artists' portfolios was the culmination of a three-month project exploring the history and culture of graffiti art. This exploration took the young artists to the Pitt Rivers Museum (partners of the project) and the Cowley Road in Oxford, which inspired their own artwork.

Working with professional artist Steve Sitex the artists developed their knowledge and skills in graffiti art and the exhibition aims to raise awareness of the art form. The group hopes to lobby the town council to establish a legal wall space in Bicester.

As part of the exhibition launch participants were encouraged to take part by writing their own tag onto large boards with guidance from the young artists. Most people commented that it wasn't as easy as they thought!

The project was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund's Young Roots Programme. Youth Worker Claire Blackburn said, "We were delighted to have received this money to deliver a project that promotes graffiti as an art form. The young artists have experienced working with a range of materials, a professional artist and will have their work displayed in venues across the region."

The project will continue into 2007 in order to give more young people the opportunity to develop their skills and to get involved in high quality graffiti art.

BRITA Art Project
August 2006

A group of eight young people, together with textile artist Jo Dixon and Area Youth Worker Anita Martin, spent eight days producing a large wall hanging for the entrance to BRITA Water Filter Systems Limited UK Head Office in Bicester.

The group attended the unveiling of the work, performed by the Town Mayor, on Monday 2 October.

Jo Dixon, an experienced textile artist, showed the young people how to dye and paint silk and cotton using a variety of methods. The theme was "water" and the young people also took inspiration from BRITA publicity and logos. The young people were fully involved in the whole process and designed the finished piece.

BRITA commissioned the work to mark their 40th anniversary, which they celebrate this year. Since relocating to Bicester two years ago BRITA have supported a number of local community projects including The Bus mobile youth centre, and thought a piece of artwork produced by local young people would be a fitting way to commemorate their 40th Anniversary and really brighten up their office space.

The project also ran along side the summer Urban Energize programme organized by Cherwell District Council to create more opportunities for young people in the summer holidays.

David Banfield, Managing Director for BRITA Water Filter Systems Ltd said; "2006 sees BRITA reach its 40th anniversary, and I'm delighted to involve the local community to help us mark the occasion. The artwork will provide a lasting reminder of how far we have come as a Company and of the emerging creative talents of young people in the area, and I look forward to seeing it unveiled later in the year."

Recording Studio Refurbishment

The centre gives young people the opportunity to play and listen to great music by offering band gigs, rehearsal rooms and guitar lessons. Youth workers support new bands by working with them on performance and song writing skills.

We have been refurbishing our recording studio since the summer, updating software, microphones and even providing sofas to ensure that bands are comfortable during their time here. The new studio will be fully equipped and ready for bands to use in 2007.

Bollywood Project
August 2006

Seven young people experienced a new form of dance when they took part in a project designed to recreate the glamour of a traditional Bollywood routine.

Artist Huma Saeed showed them the routine they would be learning from the film 'Chumma Chumma' and got to work teaching them the moves to be performed at the end of the week to friends, family and the Town Mayor.

The day before the performance the group had a great time exploring the shops in Southall, London for authentic outfits and accessories for their performance. On the day their make up, hair and nails were also painted to create some extra glamour to the occasion. They certainly looked the part!

Around 30 friends and family attended the performance, including Dr Bhart the Town Mayor, and were very impressed with how well the group embraced a new form of dance. Since then the group has been invited to perform at other events, including Diwali celebrations at the Courtyard and at the Bowls Club in Garth Park on 24 October.