Weaving Heritage and Youth Voices
Youth Arts Takeover, 2024
Cumberland Lodge, UK
In Summer 2024, 24 young people from Slough and East London participated in the Youth Arts Takeover, a dynamic creative programme hosted at Cumberland Lodge and supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Working with partner youth organisations Together As One (Slough) and Immediate Theatre (Hackney), young people aged 14-18 explored their personal and cultural heritage through a range of artistic practices
Kinetika played a central role by collaborating with the young participants to create a series of large-scale hand-painted silk banners that visually wove their stories into the historical narrative of Cumberland Lodge. Guided by Kinetika’s artists, the group transformed personal photographs and self-portraits that resonated with their sense of home and belonging – captured during a creative session within the Lodge – into vibrant, colourful silk designs using the traditional batik technique.
The Silks
The banners, measuring 3.5 metres each, incorporate motifs inspired by the Lodge’s historic furnishings and architectural details, linking contemporary youth voices to the building’s rich heritage. Painted in a palette reflective of the Lodge’s interior, the silk artworks now fly proudly within the space, greeting visitors and marking the young people’s creative contribution to this historic site.
This hands-on process enabled the young people to connect deeply with both their own stories and the heritage of the place, creating a meaningful dialogue between past and present. The banners are a visual testament to the voices of a new generation, proudly contributing their perspectives to the historic walls of Cumberland Lodge.
“The project transformed perceptions of heritage and youth creativity, providing a platform for young voices to share their perspectives. Guests have noted how the artwork deepened their connection to the experiences of young people and expressed a desire to see more art created by young people in the future. This collaboration with Kinetika has created a legacy, combining heritage and modern identity to celebrate youth creativity in a meaningful way. We are incredibly grateful for Kinetika’s help in bringing this vision to life.”
– Christina Ogwang, Cumberland Lodge
All images courtesy of Cumberland Lodge.
Funding for this project
Our inaugural Youth Arts Takeover was supported with a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, raised by National Lottery players, which went towards supporting the creative workshops and event facilitation.
Kinetika Artists
Ali Pretty, Artistic Director and Founder
Enja Dixon