MORE than 500 Scottish young artists’ work is being shown in Scotland’s national gallery.
The Your Art World exhibition is now on show at the National Galleries of Scotland and features artwork by more than 500 three to 18-year-olds from across Scotland.
It is part of the wider Your Art World project, which aims to engage and encourage young people to be more creative.
To create their artwork the young people could use any type of materials and inspiration.
This artwork was published online and is now displayed on screens around the gallery.
Four community and school groups, from the Scottish Highlands to the Borders, worked to create physical installations in the gallery.
One of these schools was Dounby Community School, whose head teacher, Islean Gibson, said: “Being part of such an amazing gallery exhibition has given everyone here at Dounby School such a sense of pride and motivation. Sharing our thoughts and ideas as part of a national project has really inspired our whole school community.
“The power of creation will have a lasting legacy. It makes me swell with pride every day seeing just how impactful creativity can be for a wee school and its community. I would wholeheartedly recommend everyone take that step into Your Art World and see where it takes you!”
PAMIS, an organisation in Scotland which works with people with profound and multiple learning difficulties, also had a group of children and their families featured in the project.
They created a series of sensory-led artwork, which is featured alongside paintings, drawing and 3D sculptures, as well as digital art and projects inspired by climate change using rubbish collected from the shores of Orkney.
The exhibition is also encouraging visitors to get involved by making their own artwork inspired by the creativity of the young artists.
The gallery features a "make and share" area which allows visitors to produce their own artwork and upload it to the website, which will then be added to the digital display on the screens in the gallery.
The head of learning and engagement at the National Galleries of Scotland, Siobhan McConnachie, said: “I feel so excited and proud to be showcasing the artwork of the talented young artists of Scotland. The response has been truly inspiring and we have been so impressed with everyone’s creativity.
“The Your Art World project is incredibly important to us at National Galleries of Scotland as it hands over the creative process to young people and celebrates their work. Art has its place in every school, home and young person's life, whether that be encouraging people to think creatively, using it as an expressive outlet or simply for some fun, this project and exhibition celebrates that art really is for everyone.”
Your Art World aims to encourage young people to be more creative and involved with art, regardless of their ability or knowledge.
Resources are available online to support teachers and families in engaging young people in art-based activities, making art accessible for everyone.
The exhibition is supported by funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, who raised more than £5 million to support National Galleries of Scotland.
The exhibition runs until April 14, 2024.
