Severn Arts’ Young Voices New Visions exhibition opens in Worcester Cathedral on Sunday 28 May.

Over 50 local schools and community groups are taking part, with the artwork they have created responding to the theme ‘time’.

Local illustration graduate Francesca Ridsdale has been appointed to work alongside exhibition curator Richard Webb and his assistant Steven Thomas to bring this annual exhibition to life, showcasing the artistic talent of young people from across Worcestershire.

Alongside the exhibition, there will be a free drop-in workshop in the Cathedral Chapter House on Friday 2 June from 11am - 1pm. Participants will be invited to explore ‘dressing through time’ in a workshop led by local artist Megan Evans. Using reclaimed fabrics, papers and collagraph prints, participants can create their own fashion illustrations inspired by decades gone by.

Francesca Ridsdale, Exhibition Assistant said: “I am pleased to be assisting in the creation of this exhibition. This year's Young Voices New Visions theme of ‘time’ is a challenging concept for children and adults alike and I am excited by the possibilities of making sense of it through artistic expression. Being in Worcester Cathedral as a workspace is a rare opportunity and I look forward to gaining tangible skills from more experienced mentors on this project.”

Zoe Earles, teacher at Haybridge High School said: “The Young Voices New Visions exhibition at Worcester Cathedral is an amazing opportunity to showcase fabulous artwork in a fabulous setting. Celebrating the talents of these young students is an occasion that shouldn't be missed.  Thank you Severn Arts for making this possible every year.”

Elaine Knight, Arts Director, Severn Arts said: “We are excited to have so many Worcestershire schools and community groups taking part in this year’s exhibition and are looking forward to seeing the different creative artworks they produce. We’re pleased to continue to provide opportunities for early career creatives and it’s wonderful to have Francesca joining the curation team this year.”

Marcus Hart, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Communities at Worcestershire County Council added: “It is a pleasure to showcase the creative artwork of our county's young people at this year's Young Voices New Visions exhibition, and Worcester Cathedral is a fitting venue to showcase the talent of our newest artists. I am grateful to Severn Arts for their partnership in bringing this exhibition to life.

The exhibition, managed by Severn Arts and funded by Worcestershire County Council, takes place from Sunday 28 May to Sunday 2 July in the cloisters of Worcester Cathedral. The exhibition will be open to visitors during normal Cathedral visiting hours, Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm (last entry 4.30pm) and Sundays 1pm - 3pm (last entry 2.30pm). Admission is free.

For information about the exhibition visit https://www.severnarts.org.uk/young-voices-new-visions-exhibition