ART:SPACE

the project

Developed in 2007 with British Land, art:space was our first project with young carers. Enabled by this longstanding partnership, we have since worked with more than 1,000 young carers in Bath, Milton Keynes, Swindon, Winchester and the London boroughs of Camden, Ealing, Hackney, Hounslow, Kingston, Southwark and Westminster.

“doing things with other people made me feel happy and helped me a lot too. meeting new people was nerve-wracking at first beacuse I didn’t know anyone but as it went on, i became more confident.”
harrison, 12, young carer

Each art:space project brings young carers together for creative workshops during school holidays throughout the year. Often located at British Land sites, using their spectacular artwork and architecture to inspire creative activities, and supported by British Land volunteers, our professional artists work with the young carers to explore a range of artforms. These include music, drama, dance, film making, animation, sculpture, costume design, jewellery-making, painting and word play. Final performances or exhibitions give the young carers the chance to share their achievements with a wider audience, helping to build their confidence.

“the participants said they had not experienced art like this before and did not know they could produce work of that standard. thank you for this opportunity.”
community partner

the need

There are almost six million carers in the UK, of whom more than 800,000 are children and young people. 27% aged 11-15 miss school or experience educational difficulties; 68% are bullied and feel isolated at school. Only 44% feel they get enough help with their emotions and feelings. 23% of young carers feel their caring role has, at least once, stopped them from making friends.

Community Care reports that young carers’ caring duties last on average 17 hours a week, the impact of which can include underachieving or absenteeism at school, mental or physical ill-health and poverty.

According to a survey by Carers Trust, since the COVID-19 lockdown, 40% of young carers say their mental health has declined; 66% say they are more stressed; and 67% say they are more worried.