21 September 2008
Beverley Hughes MP kicked off Labour party conference week by meeting young people from across Manchester who have been working hard on a project that symbolises their city and what it means to them.
The young people’s project, “We Make Manchester”, was created as part of Portrait of a Nation, a year long campaign led by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Liverpool Culture Company, which explores the themes of heritage and culture from the perspective of Young People.
Members of the Youth Forum invited Rt Hon Beverley Hughes MP, Minister for Children, Young People and Families, to Urbis to show her an exhibition of their work and to tell her what they felt about their city. The Minister also heard about plans for the final Portrait of a Nation showcase that will take place in Liverpool at the end of the year.
The young people explained to the Minister that they had come up with 6 words that they felt captured the essence of the city: Misunderstood, Individual, Influential, United-City, Mulicultural and Iconic.
The young people then worked throughout the year with Urbis, a number of Arts professionals and Manchester City Council to explore these aspects of the city’s identity though film, art, dance and photography.
Josie Kelly, one of the young people working on this project said:
“I have really enjoyed taking part in “We Make Manchester” and it has given me lots of opportunities to try out different ideas and talk to lots of people about their work and what they do. I am very keen to stay on the Youth Forum and get involved with running more events.”
Mike Emmerich, HLF trustee and North West Committee member said:
“We are delighted with the results of the “We Make Manchester” project. The young people have worked extremely hard to produce an exciting and unique portrait of their city. It is hugely important that young people have been exploring how understanding heritage can help their own identity."
The young people also got a chance to hear Beverley Hughes' thoughts and feelings on the subjects of heritage and identity when she took part in a vox pop answering questions about her experiences.
The Rt Hon Beverley Hughes MP, Minister for Children, Young People and Families, said:
“It was wonderful to see such enthusiasm and dedication from the young people of Manchester. They have produced a fantastic array of work which all fits together well to show what makes Manchester great. I know they will do amazingly at the Portrait of a Nation finale in Liverpool.”
Notes to editors:
- *Cities running local Portrait of a Nation events include:-
- Belfast
- Birmingham
- Bradford
- Brighton & Hove
- Bristol
- Canterbury
- Cardiff
- Derby
- Leeds
- Liverpool
- Newham (London)
- Manchester
- NewcastleGateshead
- Norwich
- Nottingham
- Oxford
- Inverness (Highlands and Islands)
- Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported more than 26,000 projects, allocating over £4billion across the UK.
- The Liverpool Culture Company was established by Liverpool City Council in 2000, to lead the city’s bid to be European Capital of Culture 2008. In June 2003, following a two-year nationwide competition featuring 12 cities, Liverpool was chosen as the UK’s representative for 2008. The programme for 2008 includes more than 350 events and festivals – many of which are free – delivered in collaboration with major cultural institutions, artists, performers and venues throughout Liverpool and beyond. For more information visit http://www.liverpool08.com/.