Shepshed Library
Shepshed Library Young Peoples’ Projects
Shepshed library was one of the four libraries chosen for the first year of Creative Expressions in Libraries. Two exciting projects have taken place during the last year, with a focus on engaging young people in cultural activity.
Shepshed Library Street Art Project
We have been very busy over the last few months, running a group of street art workshops with local teenagers, in partnership with Graffwerk and Passion Youth Group.
Our young participants enjoyed using Posca pens to create their own ‘tag’, took part in a quiz on the differences between street art and graffiti and worked their way through a Graffwerk consultation booklet, giving their preferences on colours, patterns, and styles of the art form.
They then brought their own ideas and designs to a final co-curated piece of street art which will be brought together by Graffwerk, and which will go on display in the library. Their designs included Shepshed landmarks and favourite books and artists. We can’t wait to see the finished piece!
Community Street Art Day
In partnership with Graffwerk we recently held a Community Street Art Day for members of the local community and enjoyed two fully booked workshops. Participants created designs which will be used in a final co-curated artwork for the exterior of the library.
So many fantastic drawings were created including lots of sheep! (For those who don’t know, the town was originally known as ‘Sheepshead’, a name derived from the town being involved in the wool industry).
The sessions ended with the participants trying their hand at spray-painting on pallet-wrapped railings outside – this went down especially well with the children who now think of themselves as fully fledged street artists!
Graffwerk are now busy working on the final pieces from both the community day and the young people’s workshops – we are excited to see the final designs soon. Watch this space!
Shepshed Library #BookTok Project
Our #Booktok Project led by Shay from The Underground Creatives, has been a great success. Six participants from years 9 and 10 at Iveshead School took part in several #Booktok workshops, brainstorming ideas for their own #Booktoks and hearing some inspirational tips from Shay. They were also able to try their hand with the tech, including a gimbal, tripod, and gorilla stand.
Filming of their #Booktoks took place in the library, with the participants bringing in some interesting props from home (including a horse head mask!)
Our final couple of workshops saw the group co-producing and co-directing a promotional film highlighting why this new medium is a great way to connect with younger audiences. It will eventually be available on our social media platforms and website. Come back soon to see it for yourself but in the meantime check out the #Booktoks that the group have produced so far: