YOUNG PEOPLE REFLECT ON COVID-19 IN A NEW STREET ART EXHIBITION THROUGHOUT ADELAIDE CBD
The personal insights of 14 young South Australians who kept journals detailing the impact of coronavirus from May-July 2020 are now viewable in a new street art exhibition around Adelaide CBD.
‘Reflections’ is a joint project between Commissioner for Children and Young People and City of Adelaide that shines a spotlight on the pandemic’s impact on young South Australians and take quotes directly from CCYP’s 2020 ‘Reflections on COVID-19’ Report.
The reflections expressed throughout the exhibition and report are as diverse and varied as the young people themselves who contributed them. There are some consistent themes, but overall the sentiment of young South Australians is perhaps best expressed in the words of 16 year old Brayden:
‘I never expected a health crisis to affect every aspect of my life other than my health.’
The Reflections Exhibition is a collection of photographic portraits accompanied by hand-written quotes. In their own words, young people share their private hopes and fears recorded just as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold.
The exhibition explores four key themes at various locations across the City of Adelaide.
• Identity at Francis Street Laneway
• Connection at Hutt Street Library
• Participation at South West Community Centre
• Hope at North Adelaide Library
Commissioner for Children and Young People, Helen Connolly said the exhibition is a powerful community project that came from a need to understand how COVID-19 was
impacting young South Australians.
“As we develop and implement a response to the pandemic, we need to fully consider the complexities and disruptions COVID-19 has had on this generation of young people,” said the Commissioner.
“We need to include young people’s ideas and opinions so that their hopes for what the ‘new normal’ might look like in a post pandemic world.”
City of Adelaide Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor said its important our young people are heard and their specific challenges highlighted.
“This pandemic has impacted everyone individually and this exhibition is a powerful way for the community to understand a different perspective,” said the Lord Mayor.
“Whether it’s stories of education, social or economic challenges, everyone can relate to these pieces, so I commend these artists for opening up and telling their stories.
“We’re really proud to be associated with this project. It’s essential our young people are encouraged to speak up and be heard on important issues impacting the wider community.”
The “Reflections” exhibition was launched on Thursday 27 May at Francis Street Laneway, adjacent to the entrance to City Library. The exhibition continues through to July 31.
To read or download the full Reflections on COVID-19 Report please visit: ccyp.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Reflections-on-COVID-19-Web.pdf
Check out the City of Adelaide Reflections Exhibition Trail HERE
