EXHIBITION OVERVIEW

THE HISTORY OF HERU

“This exhibition lit up something inside me about who we are as people and the importance to stand strong in self. We are all heroes. ”

— M, Member of the Public

CONTEXT FOR THE HERO INSIDE PROGRAMME

The curator researched the origins of a hero to provide context for the exhibition. The origin of the hero is rooted in African/Egyptian allegory of Heru, often referred to as Horus by the Greeks. Heru was symbolic of the rising sun - the light. Heru then became the prototype of the ‘Hero,’ the role model for humanity. Participants were encouraged to 'look within' and to identify real heroes within their family and community as opposed to superheroes that rely on external powers.

THE GOLDEN LEGACY

THE CLASSIC AFRICAN AMERICAN COMIC BOOK COLLECTION

The Golden Legacy is a classic collection of illustrated biographical accounts of the significant achievements of African American men and women throughout history. The Collection was integrated into the programme. The perspective of the comic books instilled pride and raised the self-esteem of the African descent participants. The stories replaced myths with an appreciation for the contributions that others have made to our current society in science, arts and leadership.

“I found the exhibition very interesting and enlightening. A good way to talk about black heroes past and present in current society. ”

— Jane Berry, Member of the Public

TEACHING RESOURCE

INSPIRING INVESTIGATION AND ENCOURAGING CREATIVITY

The teaching resource provided teachers with the strategies and resources to look beyond the limited role models assigned to the black community: a footballer, musician or actor. Aspirational stories of pioneering scientists, explorers and leaders were promoted and a series of lesson plans and activities enabled the teachers to integrate the 'Hero Inside' programme into the main stream curriculum.

“This project has been really successful in facilitating opportunities to engage children in thinking about concepts of justice and fairness. ”

— James McKinney, Member of the Public

YOUNG PEOPLE'S EXHIBITION

alongside professional ARTISTS

The Focused Group's insights and creative work was placed at the centre of the exhibition. Sketchbooks, comic strips and discoveries from the workshops were displayed. Interactive areas where set up where the young people could explore short visual sketches on the ‘Etch a Sketch’ and 'Viewfinders' in which the main characters were from African Caribbean. A film of the different stages and elements of the project played on a loop on two wooden televisions.

“Great exhibition. Very informative. The children completed very inspiring work. I hope this project will go forward and empower other young people to believe in their abilities. ”

— GAB, Member of the Public

AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT

WELCOMING THE WIDER COMMUNITY

The aim of the exhibition at the Menier Gallery was to raise the awareness of the achievements of the African descent community: past and present. The present being the young artists' creations. The exhibition was curated to encourage intercultural dialogue. The different perspectives generated as a result of the creative arts initiative triggered an exchange of ideas and thinking among the public and schools that attended.