Your say / Creative Youth Network
‘To say getting into the arts isn’t easy is a major understatement’
I am from a working class, single parent, socio economic past and have lived in a young person’s homeless hostel.
I lived in this supported accommodation for two years, with no internet or comforts, I was on jobseekers’ allowance, eating from a one-can food bank, and at times using fairy liquid to wash my hair.
These challenges taught me many things, one of which was to fight for my future.
is needed now More than ever
After creating art in my room, I started cleaning and saved enough money to rent a shop in my local town to hold a two-week art exhibition about an eating disorder I was suffering with, raising money for the mental health charity Mind and opening up a safe space for others to come in and chat.
This crazy period in my life was the best thing that could have happened, and so my journey with art pushed forwards, and has been my saving grace against many obstacles since.
From creating collages, to now combining sound and poetry that I’ve written, my creative practice has grown with me. As I’ve gone forward on my journey, I’ve realised how important it’s been for me to have encouragement from those around me, especially charities or organisations that have gone out of their way with mentoring, sending through opportunities, and encouraging me to apply for funding and projects.
I am now hosting A poetic journey, an online exhibition which takes you on my path of self-exploration, through the themes of memory and nature. It includes Paradise Island, a sound piece which I’ve developed with poetry written by myself and my late grandad.
I really think this piece has the power to bring together generations, and connect others to their own memories, especially in this time of acute loneliness.
I am fortunate to have been successful in gaining opportunities in Bristol which are specifically for young artists who come from under-represented and disadvantaged backgrounds.
I hope to represent more of our voices in the arts – so for all the young people who are out there using creativity as an outlet for how you’re feeling, to inspire others, or create change – your voices are important.
Paradise Island is a New Creatives piece, supported by Arts Council England and BBC Arts. Image: Creative Youth Network
As the arts and culture industries experience huge challenges at this point, my big hope is that the change which comes with this shift leads us to a creative sector which is more accessible. I hope that employers and organisations within the creative sector will give opportunities to those who are just starting out and don’t have the experience yet, and nurture talent .
We need support and prospects available at all levels. Talent is nothing without opportunity.
Scarlett Smyth is a 25-year-old poet and artist living in Cotham, currently working as a creative producer for Creative Youth Network as part of Creative Workforce for the Future.
November is #YouthWorkMonth and Creative Youth Network is fundraising to provide support to more young artists who are under-represented in the creative and cultural sector. Find out more via www.creativeyouthnetwork.org.uk.
Main photo: Scarlett Smyth/Creative Youth Network
Read more: ‘Young people in care deserve better’
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