Wolverhampton pupils spark national debate about culture in an age of austerity

The streets and buildings of Madeley feature in a new short film produced by local students, and is part of a national exhibition just opened at the Wolverhampton Art Gallery.

The exhibition, called Unforgettable lessons, was launched yesterday (14 July 2010) with a debate about the role of cultural education in an age of austerity.

Unforgettable lessons showcases the journey of 12 groups of young people from all over England who have been thinking about how people have shaped their local area, and how these places in turn shape their lives. Each project has explored the value of using building and spaces to teach the school curriculum, and helped these young people develop the confidence and skills to get involved in changes to their neighbourhood. 

Pupils from the Madeley Academy, for example, researched the architecture, geography and history of their local area to discover the ways in which the built environment has affected residents. They looked at how the neighbourhood could be improved and produced models and films. Pupils from Ercall Wood Technology College have created prints telling the story of Wellington, where their school is based.

The exhibition is being put on by Engaging Places, an education initiative led by CABE with support from English Heritage, to support teaching and learning through buildings and places.

Matt Bell, director of education at CABE, said: ‘This exhibition is about inspiring young people to think differently about where they live and learn. It’s about discovering how they can shape the look and feel of the buildings and the spaces all around them.’

Angela Tombs, head of learning and outreach at Wolverhampton Art Gallery said,
‘Unforgettable Lessons is a fantastic showcase of innovative projects in schools around the theme of the built environment. Young people of all ages across the country have participated in these projects, selections of which are featured in this exhibition. We are very pleased and proud to be holding this show at Wolverhampton Art Gallery.’

Unforgettable Lessons runs until 14 August and is free.

Notes to editors

• To request an interview or images please contact Jane Barraclough 020 7070 6771 or jbarraclough@cabe.org.uk
• Engaging Places is an education programme delivered by CABE in partnership with English Heritage, to encourage the use of buildings and places in teaching and learning. www.engagingplaces.org.uk
• CABE is the government’s advisor on architecture, urban design and public space. As a public body, we encourage policymakers to create places that work for people. We help local planners apply national design policy and offer expert advice to developers and architects. We show public sector clients how to commission buildings that meet the needs of their users. And we seek to inspire the public to demand more from their buildings and spaces. Advising, influencing and inspiring, we work to create well-designed, welcoming places. www.cabe.org.uk
• Wolverhampton Art Gallery is part of Wolverhampton Arts + Museums service, funded by Wolverhampton City Council. It receives additional funding as a Regularly Funded Organisation of Arts Council England and from the Museums, Libraries Archives Council through Renaissance in the Regions West Midlands.