AN exhibition which looks to celebrate Cumbria’s youth culture over the years is set to be displayed at Tribe, Bitt’s Park, over the coming month.
Cumbria's Youth Culture exhibition looks to relive the ideas, subcultures and stories of everyday people who have grown up in Cumbria throughout the generations.
Championing the impact of youth on modern society, the Museum of Youth Culture was formed from the archives of YOUTH CLUB - a non-profit Heritage Lottery & Arts Council Funded collection incorporating photographs, ephemera, objects and oral histories celebrating our shared youth culture history.
As part of the Museum of Youth Culture’s Outreach Champions Project, Free Radical Arts CIC were asked to reach out to the people of Cumbria to create an exhibition of local submissions.
READ MORE: Appleby Horse Fair : Appeal after two men 'carrying sticks' arrested
From February to May 2022, Free Radicals, Tullie House Museum and Cumbria Archives called out on social media for people to submit their stories of youth through photographs and objects – of which the display is some of those submissions.
Mac Benson, from Free Radical Arts, said: “This exhibition is important to me as I believe that Cumbria as a region is often appreciated for its landscapes, locations and patriotic history and often misses out on the opportunity to be represented by the ideas and stories of everyday people who live and grow up here, contributing to an underrepresented but ever-growing cultural experience through mediums such as art, fashion and music.
"For me, this exhibition is evidence that sub-cultures have always existed in Cumbria, and while not always pushed to the forefront, are an important part of what makes Cumbria special,” he said.
The display which will be launching today (June 16) until July 14, will be welcomed by the sounds of live music from Adam Robson with everyone being encouraged to come along and see Cumbria’s subculture past for themselves.
Lindsey Atkinson, community engagement producer, said:"I'm so happy Free Radicals contacted me about being involved and supporting their project.
"The great thing about this collecting theme is that it's universal. Everyone was young once, which means everyone can take part. I love the idea of bringing everyone's experiences together and displaying them in the city's park, where so many young people spend time. Hopefully this project is just the start and we can continue to collect more.
"The Museum of Youth Culture are coming to Tullie House soon to share their story so far and they're amazing collections so keep a look out for details on social media,” she said.
READ MORE: Visit to Cumberland Infirmary was 'like visiting a hospital in the third world'
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here