‘Chesterfield Through Our Eyes’ was created by members of the Next Gen collective and is on display in the Pavements Shopping Centre until Sunday, March 14.
All the artists are aged between 16 and 30 and were invited to take part in an opportunity as part of the Animate Chesterfield programme.
Each of the artists were asked to think about what Chesterfield means to them, their connection to the town and what they think the future could hold for Chesterfield.
They all produced a range of work, using different formats and techniques.
Emma White, one of the Next Gen participants, said: “It feels really good to take part in the exhibition, which has come together over the last year. I live in Chesterfield, and the town has inspired my artwork and creative expression."
The new exhibition display stands are funded through Animate Chesterfield - a programme of public art taking place throughout the regeneration projects in Chesterfield and Staveley.
After ‘Chesterfield Through Our Eyes’ finishes the boards will be used for an exhibition by Derbyshire Makes. In the future they will be available for community groups to host public exhibitions in Chesterfield.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We’re excited to be able to offer young local artists the opportunity to gain experience of working to a brief and exhibiting their work – what they have created for this exhibition showcases their fantastic talents and it’s well worth visiting. “These new exhibition stands will also ensure that other members of the community will have the opportunity to showcase their work in the town centre. We’ll share more information about how local groups can book the exhibition stands on our website.”
Next Gen is a Junction Arts project that brings together young people aged 16–30 who are interested in pursuing a creative career.
Junction Arts Project Manager, Jemma Burton, said: “Next Gen has been running for three years, and during that time we’ve had the pleasure of working with some incredibly talented young people who have grown in confidence through the expert guidance and support the programme offers.
"Experiences like this inspire young people to push themselves, see real possibilities in creative careers, and recognise Chesterfield as a town that champions young people, culture, and the arts.”
Animate Chesterfield is a programme being led by Chesterfield Borough Council and delivered by Beam, a leading cultural development organisation. It has included the appointment of an artist in residence to engage residents and visitors with Chesterfield town centre, Christmas window trails, careers insight for students at Chesterfield College, and a new town centre mural. The programme also includes a new heritage arts trail and sculpture in Staveley town centre. Funding for the public art project was secured through planning agreements as part of the council’s percent for art scheme, which was part of the previous Local Plan (and now continues on a voluntary basis), and the funding must be used for the delivery of public art.
