Youth art project puts down anchor at Anderton Boat Lift

Coming from across Cheshire and Halton, young people from various groups got together to create an exhibition for display at the Anderton Boat Lift.

Working with artists and heritage specialists, the groups created artworks which explored their thoughts about the natural and heritage environment.

The young people arrived at the exhibition launch on board the Art Deco steam tugboat, the Daniel Adamson (The Danny). The historic flyboat Saturn arrived alongside, bearing pledges from the young people to take care of the environment.

The youngsters arrived at the boat lift on the restored steam ship The Danny

The project is the result of a new partnership between Youth Federation (known as Youth Fed), The Danny and the Canal and River Trust which gives young people access to new cultural, creative and heritage learning opportunities.

Chris Hindley, chief executive of Ellesmere Port-based Youth Fed, said: "This special project presented a fabulous opportunity for youngsters to work with talented artists and inspiring heritage officers to create unique artworks that reflect the ebbs and flows of our region's waterways.

"Encouraging young people to think about and concentrate on the natural environment is essential.

"Being outside and absorbing the world around us has many benefits. Without really knowing it, these talented groups have learned so much about the area they live, discovered creative talents, and explored how to come together as one to create something special.

"Offering inspiring opportunities is part of Youth Fed's work and we are sure many people will be amazed at what has been produced."

Setting sail on a new venture

Cathriona Bourke, The Danny learning and participation manager, said partnership working had enabled them to offer more significant opportunities to young people.

"There have been many learning points for the group," she said. 

"And we know they can now ask decision-makers interesting questions about the natural environment and how to make changes to protect it.  

"The launch of the exhibition marks, we hope, the beginnings of closer engagement with, and ownership of, our natural and heritage environment by the young people who will inherit it."

The young people prep ahead of the exhibition which can be seen throughout June

The outdoor collection, funded by the Arts Council as part of the Let's Create Platinum Jubilee Fund and awarded to The Danny by Cheshire Community Foundation, will be opened by the High Sheriff of Cheshire, Jeannie Frances-Hayhurst.

The exhibition is at the Anderton Boat Lift throughout June.