An arts organisation has been working with young women across Salford to explore issues surrounding body image.
Tandem Theatre, a charity which operates in Greater Manchester, specialises in working with adults and young people who are vulnerable or marginalised.
The Tandem Takeover, an exhibition at Salford Museum and Art Gallery displayed an array of pieces created by girls aged 11 to 18.
Frances Nutt, artistic director and co-founder, wanted to empower and uplift young women who might have behavioural or mental health issues through the medium of art.
“I think this matters because it’s important to highlight what young women are going through and the pressures that they are under”, she said. “If we can raise awareness, that is the starting step to addressing that problem.”
Praising Salford for its offerings to young people, Frances said: “Something I think Salford does better than any other borough is it’s youth service. It’s fantastic.
She added: “There are services in key areas of Salford that have a brilliant reach for their local young people, especially young women. It’s been great to see this showcased and what they can achieve.”
The visual artwork, described as “moving” and “thought-provoking”, focused on body standards, dysmorphia and confidence; issues that are prevalent amongst teenage girls due to social media.
Frances said: “Using the artwork to express themselves in a healthy way and to see that displayed and shared is so valuable.”
Workshops for music and yoga were also featured to teach additional skills, plus live performances from all-female musicians.
The yoga sessions allowed the young people to learn breathing techniques and the importance of mindfulness. “We really wanted to give them tools they can use in the long-term”, Frances added.
The ongoing project has allowed more than 50 young women throughout Salford, Bolton and Thameside to earn a Bronze Arts Award, a Level 1 qualification accredited by Trinity College London.
Frances, 35, said: “This qualification is important as it might be the only one these young people can get.”
A great day at @tandemtheatre 's Take Over of @SalfordMuseum featuring work from Young People from across Salford @salfordyouth1 pic.twitter.com/PMsQzGY12V
— Caroline Coates (@carolinecoates) September 25, 2022
Since being established in 2013, Tandem Theatre has continued to provide safe, creative spaces for young women. Frances, who lives in Swinton, has run the charity independently since 2016.
“I do think that young women are often overlooked, so it was great to identify that need and come up with a project so we can try and meet it”, she said.
Fortunate for the funding provided by Salford CVS, Arts Council England, Youth Music and Salford Youth Service, Frances said: “I feel very privileged to be able to offer this and I’m really grateful for the partners that we have worked with, we couldn’t have done it without them.
“It’s nice to take a moment and think ‘this is really great; we’ve really touched their lives’ and I hope it will have a long-term impact.”
Recent Comments