YOUNG people from Middlesbrough have come together to tackle hate and discrimination in an exciting arts, music and film project.
Working with Borderlands Creative People and Places, rapper Shakk, local artist Bobby Benjamin and Middlesbrough Football Club the youngsters have created a new chant for the Riverside – one that will bring fans together by tackling hate on the terraces.
The project has been produced by Borderlands Creative People and Places and MFC Foundation’s Acklam Green Centre Kicks project as a result of young people wanting to use art to positively respond to the racism and prejudice faced by footballers during Euro 2020.
Together, MFC Foundation and Borderlands are raising awareness of plastic pollution and discrimination. The participants were made up from members of MFC Foundations Acklam Green Premier League Kicks site.
Middlesbrough FC’s Acklam Green Kicks site manager Jim Dyson said: “The project has been a resounding success and one I am very proud of. It has provided the young people who we regularly engage with, with a change to challenge themselves and learn new talents as well as giving them a voice on what injustices they see in their community.
“In the weekly sessions the participants discussed discrimination and hate, in a very mature manner. Some participants even spoke up about the discrimination they had experienced in their lives.
“It also allowed us to build a new partnership with Borderlands that will hopefully see us collaborating on future social action projects on other Kicks sites across Teesside.”
The project has been supported by Borderlands - a major programme of creative growth in Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland, which is increasing the number of local people taking part in cultural activity.
Shahda Khan, Director of Borderlands, said: “It’s just amazing to hear this chant and see this artwork and the film come to life but the most important thing is the way this project has responded to our local communities.
“It is their idea, a project that has been co-created and co-designed by young people. And it is such an important time to get young people thinking about standing up to hate and discrimination – and using rap music and art was a great way to get everyone working together in new and creative ways.
The youngsters have also produced a sculpture aimed at challenging the hate and prejudice they see in their communities and football. The sculpture is made from plastic bottles that have been collected from Middlesbrough Football Club’s Premier League Kicks sites across the region.
Artist Bobby Benjamin added: “It has been mint to work on this project, because it uses art to engage young people with key issues such as discrimination and sustainability – these are the things that matter so much to them so I loved hearing their ideas and making it happen with them.
“It has been a great opportunity to develop new work in collaboration with some amazing young people and for us to work with our beloved hometown club, Middlesbrough FC.”
The Project will conclude with the participants showcasing their finished piece at Pineapple Black Contemporary Art Space.
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