'We all have a story to tell’ 20th birthday exhibition at The Young Gallery
An exhibition celebrating 20 years of a Scottish arts charity has officially opened in Glasgow.
We All Have a Story to Tell is a retrospective look back at the stories of Impact Arts over the past two decades.
Featuring photographs, videos and illustrations, curator Susan Laws examines the projects and the people Impact Arts has worked with over the years.
Originally formed in Glasgow in 1994 it has grown to cover the majority of Scotland getting people of all ages and backgrounds involved in arts.
It has engaged over 250,000 people through the arts, and run 1500 projects and programmes in 30 out of the 32 local authorities.
Lynne Carr, chief executive of Impact Arts, said: “I’ve been with Impact Arts for two years now and in that time I’ve been absolutely blown away by the work of the organisation.
When the team and I were reflecting on what we had achieved since the organisations inception in 1994 we surprised even ourselves with the breadth and scale
“When the team and I were reflecting on what we had achieved since the organisations inception in 1994 we surprised even ourselves with the breadth and scale.
“The exhibition covers some of the highlights of this 20 year period, and I would urge anyone, whether you’ve been involved in our programmes or not, to go along and see it.
“We’re so proud of our work, but it’s the people and the communities who’ve empowered themselves through the arts that are the stars of the exhibition.”
As part of the exhibition the organisation took the opportunity to create a new video, produced by 29 Studios in Glasgow. It focuses on the stories of four people who’ve taken part in Impact Arts’ programmes and whose lives have changed through the arts.
Laws has also been involved in an Impact Arts programme, having recently taken part in the Artist Mentoring Programme, which helps unemployed and underemployed artists use their skills to access opportunities in community arts.
She added: “It was an absolute honour to design and create the timeline mural for Impact Arts' 20th Birthday Exhibition! I’m really pleased with the final outcome and the reception of the work has been lovely too.”
The free exhibition is being held in The Young Gallery in Dennistoun and runs until 9 September. It is open from 12pm – 5pm, Tuesday to Friday.
