The Young Curators Programme was set up at the end of October last year and since then we have been hard at work.

We have had fortnightly meetings discussing what we want to do with the gallery space, and have come up with the exhibitions we are going to hold. We have been discussing a name for the gallery since the Programme started and, with much deliberation, we are at a stage where we have a clever, unique gallery name and a professional logo to go with it. Additionally, we have drafted and branded the brief and criteria to send out to artists for submission of their work for the exhibition; therefore we have made great progress since we started.

However, there is still much to be done, there are many elements of the exhibition yet to plan, all of which must be completed to a strict deadline. These objectives include elements such as planning the launch party and finalising the entire brief, then sending it out to a variety of art representatives. Once we have received all of the artwork we will have the task of installing the artwork into the gallery space.

Meet the Team...

Aaliyah, Year 10

My name is Aaliyah and I’m in year 10 and now part of the young curator’s team. I am excited to be part of the team, because I enjoy all forms of art and I find inspiration in art galleries. In addition I think that it will help me in the future as my aspiration is to become a fashion journalist.

The project helps me develop both my team work skills and independence and to meet deadlines. It also allows me to express myself whether that is through art or while writing a piece of fashion journalism.

The project also allows me to develop my confidence and skills in public speaking and expressing myself to a group persuasively, whilst also allowing me to know other students on a better level.

Amber, Year 11

My name is Amber Jarrett. I am in year 11 and my favourite subject is History because I am interested in the past and how it has affected the present.

I applied to take part in the Young Curators Project because it was something new, it seemed like a new challenge and something that would also be fun. Also it would be a chance to have a say in the things that happened around school and to make a difference in the way the school looks.

In the future I hope to be a Forensic Scientist, and I think that this project will help with this because they both involve analysis and this will help me become better at this. It will also give me an idea of how to solve problems in a practical way and to think outside the box.

Anna, Year 10

My name is Anna Felton and I am in year 10. My favourite subjects are English and History because I’m interested in how the world works and how cultures develop and interact. I applied for the curators programme because I have many creative ideas for our new gallery and I want to develop my organisational and marketing skills, and take part in a mature and independent project .

I think the gallery is a great prospect for Highfields future as it is a unique innovation, one which many other schools do not have the opportunity to have, and I am thrilled to be part of it and to develop the community of the school.

Ashleigh, Year 13

My name is Ashleigh Millman – I’m in Year 13 and currently take Art and Design, English Literature and Film Studies. I thoroughly enjoy each of these subjects but my favourite is film – the endless different styles and genres of film mean you never see the same thing twice; it never stops being interesting and surprising to study.

I applied to take part in the Young Curators’ Project because I think it’s great that Highfields is promoting creativity and as Head Girl I wanted to support this and take part in a project that would not only challenge me, but open up the world of art to the wider community and students of our school.

Art is something that holds a different meaning to everyone. My aim by taking part in this project is to create a gallery that conveys a message to each and every person that enters it. I’d like everyone to have their own opinion on what they see, and inspire them to think on the subject matter and the world around them.

Christos, Year 13

I'm Christos Makarounas (18). I am Head Boy at Highfields and currently study English, History and Politics. I saw the Young Curators Project as a brilliant outlet to further my own creativity, to work in a team of individuals as a unit, and to have some active involvement in curating art, expression and design.

I also see the project as a valuable experience to work in a team; as the art of compromise, whilst conveying personal ideas and beliefs in order to persuade and help a group reach decisions, is a fundamental skill for anyone. Overall, I wanted to bring a thoughtful and diverse aspect to the group, promoting the consideration of a wider range of art forms and mediums that the gallery could operate through.

Lewis, Year 11

My name is Lewis Francis and I’m in Year 11.

My favourite subject is ICT as I find technology and computing very interesting. I enjoy using computers and creating digital images, posters and presentations.

I applied to take part in the Young Curators Project because I enjoy planning and organizing events. I wanted to get more involved in school events and take part in more clubs and projects. I thought it would be good to make decisions about the school gallery for the school and community to come and enjoy.

In the future I would like to own my own business and open an Adventure Centre therefore this project will allow me to understand more of planning and organising. It will also enable me to see what working professionally in a team would be like and running projects.

Lucy, Year 11

My name is Lucy Siviter and I am a student in year 11. My favourite subject is art because I find art really interesting and it allows me to be creative and expressive.

I applied to take part in the Young Curators’ Project because not only do I already have a passion for art at school, but I also hope to develop an artistic career in the future. The Young Curators Project provides me with the opportunity to develop an understanding of exhibitions, gallery spaces and how they operate which will be invaluable in the future. I think that being on the young curator’s team will help me discover more areas of art and artistic practise and it will give me an opportunity to learn and develop a variety of different organisational and speaking skills.

Sofie, Year 12

My name is Sofie Gill and I am Year 12 student that is currently studying English Literature, Film, History and Psychology. I am highly passionate about my subjects however, History and English are my most favorable as I have a natural passion and interest for these subjects and enjoy understanding people and cultures.

I applied to take part in the Young Curators’ programme due to it being a fantastic opportunity for me to get involved with the community of the school and to take part in something new and challenging. I enjoy being creative with my work and participating in different projects and I therefore thought that this project was the perfect opportunity to take part in a refreshing and exciting activity.

The project also provides me with an ideal opportunity to develop my skills in terms of organisation and teamwork and to progress my ability in compromising.