Flourish - showcasing artworks by looked-after children and young people
Flourish was the first national programme to promote artwork by young people with such a diverse history of care. It was set up as a response to looked-after artists' frustration about a lack of opportunity to show work. Artists may be looked after by carers, be fostered or adopted, in secure accommodation or have special needs. Flourish celebrates talent and hopes to encourage confidence and skills toward creative careers.
Flourish holds a new exhibition each year. It asks artists to make a formal application, giving details about their work and submitting an artist's statement highlighting aspirations and telling their story. Artwork is featured in a catalogue and promoted in a sensitive and open way. Artists are invited to the exhibitions, with the chance to hear feedback, and many attend a gallery for the first time. Flourish invites its artists to speak about the project at events and with the press, be involved with running exhibitions and inform the future of the initiative.
Flourish artists have gone on to university to study art, volunteered at galleries and held solo shows. Many artists have sold their work as a result of being exhibited. A Flourish board has been set up with artists from 2006, who select artworks for new shows and advise on policy.
‘This exhibition is unbelievably good; when I first came in I found it hard to believe the artists were so young but what lives they have already lived!’
Visitor to Flourish
Flourish was initiated by Newham Children and Young People's Services, London.
Flourish catalogues
Our latest catalogue is available to order now.
What’s new?
2010 call for submissions
Flourish is looking for work for a new exhibition!
Download application form
Exhibition dates announced
From 26 May - 4 July 2010, the full 2009 selection will be shown at The Foundling Museum, London.
Ofsted Christmas card
Andrew Nicholls' image 'Birds' has been chosen for the 2009 Ofsted Christmas card.
See the card here
Online film hosting
Flourish is showing two films on its website to coincide with the 2009 selection:
Sheffield participation projects
Our voice (3m 24s)
Click to watch movie
Kaveh Rahimi
As one dream ends (13m 41s)
Click to watch movie
Harrogate conference
Flourish had a stand at the National Children and Adult Directors of Social Services Conference in Harrogate, 2123 October 2009.
See what it looked like.
Contact details
This website previously had an incorrect email address listed. For any enquiries regarding Flourish please contact info@flourish-art.org
New work in Newham
Artist and board member Amanda Murphy is showing her work at Newham PCT, including several brand new pieces.
Flourish at The Foundling
Flourish is returning to The Foundling Museum for the third year running. The full exhibition of Flourish 08 will be shown from 7 19 July 2009, Tues Sat 10 5, Sun 11 5. www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk
Flourish 09
Submissions have now closed for Flourish 09. Check back for details of where the new exhibition will be shown.
Call for submissions
Flourish is searching out talent for a new show. Email info@flourish-art.org for further details.
Flourish and BAAF
Flourish is working with The British Association for Adoption and Fostering to supply images for their publications.
Partnership Working
Flourish is mentioned in a new book by Anthony Douglas of CAFCASS: Partnership Working; Routledge; 2008.
Find your talent
Flourish attended the Find your talent event at Channel Four (June 08), as a contributor working with looked-after children. www.findyourtalent.org