Responses to Islamic Art
Caroline´s page
What I think about being involved with Bradford's Connect project and being a Young Ambassador.
Initially I had a brief introduction to what to expect. I had an idea that perhaps we would get an experience of art generally and get the chance to talk to a mixture of people from Bradford and learn about their different views and needs in terms or art and the place of a gallery in multicultural Bradford. I knew from the start that it would be a project spread out over some time and required enthusiasm and commitment. I was worried that I would feel quite intimidated and was a bit wary about not being able to meet up to expectations of being a Young Ambassador.
What was really nice was the willingness and enthusiasm from all the people involved, which made it easier to communicate with them and see how we could get results from the project. I have never been given the opportunity to discuss issues surrounding art apart from with in my own friendship groups, and then the views are sometimes limited, so it was interesting to see different views and particpate in debates I had not expected. It made me realise how much art or galleries in general could have an impact on our lives. Bradford people have their individual views close to their cultures and backgrounds. It inspired me to make this project successful and want to do something (as small as my role is) in making it more accessible to people.
I have definitely enjoyed visiting other galleries like Bolling Hall and doing the print workshops and talking about and understanding what it was that I enjoyed about it and how this can be put across to others. I was aware of other galleries in Bradford but never got chances to visit them because of my busy schedule but Connect gave me discipline and I have seen more and feel I am more aware of the galleries in Bradford. People are very willing and acceptable of ideas which makes it more comfortable to express our ideas with out fear of offence or embarrassment; it helps that Cartwright Hall is almost like a neutral environment for us to brainstorm. It’s nice to be able to continue being creative under the discussions we have and input other knowledge from outside and apply it to creating things and almost in a way summing up many issues through what we make.
I talk about the project often to my friends at school, who are very interested in that I have mentioned. Many would very much like to get involved, however they are sometimes very busy. I think being able to know about projects and previews in advance and having someone to explain to them (i.e. Ambassadors) what they involve, makes people interested and less alienated from visiting such a place, so I think the project helps in making us Young Ambassadors more aware of things available.
Learning article provided by:
Cartwright Hall Art Gallery |
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