A free art project featuring hundreds of schoolchildren from across the region has arrived at Liverpool's Royal Albert Dock today, Tuesday, August 11. The project 'Think of Us', launched by Liverpool Biennial and Royal Albert Dock, consists of hundreds of black and white portraits of Year 6 children from across Merseyside, accompanied by soundscapes.
Celebrating Young Voices
Presented as part of the Inside Out Project, the artwork celebrates young people and provides them with a platform to amplify their voices. The free outdoor artwork, hanging around the perimeter of the interior dock wall, will be on display until Sunday, August 23.
Throughout May and June, the Liverpool Biennial team worked with photographer Emma Case, sound artist Sara Wolff and artist facilitator Klaire Doyle to deliver workshops. During these workshops, children explored ways they would like to feel seen and heard, how they feel young people are perceived and listened to, and how they might use public art to communicate with adults.
Empowering Year 6 Pupils
Each child was invited to have their portrait taken and recorded a spoken response, which was used to create the audio element. The project was devised to empower the region's schoolchildren who, at the transitional stage of Year 6, are starting to seek out more independence and develop self-awareness ahead of moving on to secondary school.
An audio accompaniment and online learning resource, inviting every Year 6 pupil in Merseyside to participate from home or in school, will also be available alongside the work. The public can take part by adding to the 'Think of Us' children's manifesto through the Liverpool Biennial website.
Voices from the Project
Harmony Rose, 10, said she really enjoyed getting her photo taken for the project. She said: "It's a bit awkward seeing my photo up there but it's nice to know I've been part of something that's all about having a voice and connecting with those who don't." Isaac, 11, said he was a bit nervous to take part at first but hearing all of his friends talking about it made him feel more comfortable. He said: "My speech was about how young people shouldn't be treated like rubbish and should be listened to."
Katie Lee, Curator of Learning, Liverpool Biennial, said: "The project has been very much about giving children the opportunity to communicate with adults creatively, in a public space. The children were amazing to work with, showing brilliant creativity and emotional intelligence in sharing their personalities through their portraits and soundscapes, which has resulted in a moving and inspiring outcome."
Future Biennial
The 14th edition of Liverpool Biennial, co-curated by Aimee Harrison and Lucía Sanromán, will be informed by perspectives and experiences of childhood and youth in Liverpool and across the world and will take place from June 5 until September 12 2027.
