YOUNG people from Harlow will be performing in The Harvey Centre on Saturday 23rd February.

Look out for pop-up performances involving drama, humour, sculpture and dance. The project will be exploring issues of conflict between minorities/majorities- who has the power and how does this shape our stories?

Talking Points is a participatory youth arts project led by artists Jack Cornell and Nicola Hutchison. The project is a place-based artist commission from Essex Cultural Diversity Project. The artists are using the commission to work with young people in Harlow, giving participants a voice and platform to explore diversity issues that are important to them.

Participants will also have the opportunity to learn new arts skills on the way. It is a collaborative project in which young people will be allowed to take the lead. Groups involved include Livewire, Young Curators, and Integration Support Services, with support from The Gibberd Gallery and Harlow Playhouse.

Over half term, the groups involved will be working together in The Gibberd Gallery. They will be planning the event, building sculptures to be used as sets and props, and devising drama and choreography. At the end of the week, their efforts will be unleashed on the public in a series of pop-up performances in The Harvey Centre.

Artist Nicola said: ‘I am delighted to be working with ECDP to explore diversity in Harlow, where I grew up. I am also really excited that we are able to put on this event in the vibrant location of The Harvey Centre – I am looking forward to seeing the young people catching the attention of shoppers, who may be surprised and curious to be confronted by art in an unexpected place. The young people involved are amazing- so creative and inspiring- they are a real credit to their town.’

Artist Jack added: ‘Working with and empowering young people is embedded in my practice as an artist. It has been fantastic to work in Harlow for the first time and find out more about the place and people- so much arts and culture to discover. The young people I have met here work really hard and are prepared to try things outside their comfort zone- great skills for future careers.’