Cascade Exhibition opens at Burslem Town Hall, showcasing young people’s vision for the future of their city

Cascade’s Art Exhibition presents work created over the past year by a group of Year 7 and 8 students from Haywood Academy, who have worked alongside professional artists to reimagine Burslem through their own perspectives.

Facilitated by Partners in Creative Learning (PiCL) and led by creative producer Emily Andrews alongside key Arts practitioner Fran Buxton, the Cascade project has supported young people to take on the role of commissioners, developing ideas, working collaboratively with artists and shaping a public exhibition.

The final showcase invites visitors to experience Burslem in new ways through a specially created audio trail produced with Listening Shelf Audio, a series of art prints, and a short film produced with Anderson West, all developed around the theme of Future Heritage, exploring what makes the town distinctive today and how those stories can be shared with future generations.

Images included show the artwork by students from Haywood Academy who created cyanotype prints with artist @nataliewillatt - designed their own typeface with @siobhangracemcaleer - using work that was created by students in workshops with illustrator Becky Bell @soft.pineapples - installed with Muddy Publishing.

Over the course of the project, students have grown in confidence, developed creative skills and built stronger connections to their local community.

One participating student said:

“I have learned that when I lock in, I can have quite good design ideas, and I can also speak well in a group of people.”

Another reflected:

“I have gained lots of confidence… from speaking to people in groups.”

A further student said:

“I am more confident than I thought… I now understand how others’ opinions matter as well.”

Parents have also highlighted the project’s impact. One parent of a participating student commented:

“My child’s confidence has grown through taking part in the project… it has given them valuable new experiences.”

Another said:

“I’ve seen their confidence grow, and it’s lovely to see their interest in art increase.”

Creative skills for the future

The Cascade project has been designed to support young people to develop confidence, critical thinking and creative production skills, while fostering civic pride and a deeper understanding of their local area.

Through hands-on experiences and collaboration with professional artists, students have been encouraged to think ambition and creativity without limitation, exploring how art can shape how we see and understand place.

Event details

Burslem Town Hall, Market Place, Burslem

Tuesday 23 June, 9am – 4pm 

Wednesday 24 June, 9am – 6pm 

 Contact: cascade@picl.uk.com