“Just because we are young, it doesn’t mean we think small”
Liverpool Biennial, as part of The Inside Out Project (a global participatory art initiative founded by French artist JR), presents “Think of Us”, a direct call to action developed with hundreds of children across the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. Portraits of participating children line the walls of Royal Albert Dock, accompanied by a soundscape available online.
During a series of workshops, children explored the ways in which they would like to feel seen and heard, how they feel young people are perceived and listened to, and how they might use public art to communicate with adults.
Children discussed their sense of self and identity and the importance of being able to access public spaces, free from judgement, that are well looked after and safe. They also shared their belief that adults do not always understand children. Through the portraits on display, they express who they are as individuals and challenge misconceptions about children.
The accompanying soundscape features discussions and recorded messages that reveal the depth of understanding that many children have about the issues facing the world around them, which they feel that adults underestimate.
Think of Us, a direct quote from one of the participating children, was collectively recognised as a starting point for how they could use art to change the world. In the words of another child, “don’t just think of us, remember us”.
Access the Inside Out portal to see all the children’s portaits here
’Think of Us’ will be on display at Royal Albert Dock throughout August, with 245 portraits of children on show. Stay tuned to find out the launch date. Until then, take a look behind the scenes of the project and the soundscapes below!
We held a total of 21 workshops across 9 schools across Merseyside
Download the 'Think of Us' soundscape transcripts here
Artworks from the schools workshops
The Children’s ‘Think of Us’ Manifesto
Respect our interests
Think from our perspective. We also go through hardships
Understand that we can grow out of things
Think of nature and how it needs you to shine for it to be alive
Think before shouting. It makes us cry and sad
We want to not be treated like toddlers and not to be treated like adults, we are our own self – let us be us
Grown-ups need to play more and be silly
Believe in our future and our dreams
Build more of what we love. We want more parks, fields, and more places for disabled children
We can make a difference too
We really want to hear more children’s ideas about what they want to communicate with the world!
With thanks to:
Allanson Street Primary School, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Youth Forum, All Saints Catholic Primary School, Co-Op Academy Portland, Great Meols Primary School, Halton Lodge Primary School, Hope Primary School, Kensington Primary School and St Anne’s Primary School.
Emma Case, Photographer
Sara Wolff, Sound Composer
Klaire Doyle, Artist Facilitator