University Art Collection celebrates care experienced young people

The University of Stirling’s Art Collection is supporting a new festival celebrating care experienced children and young people from the local area.

‘Tending the Light’ – which runs from February 18 to 22 – recognises those who have experience of the care system and other corporate parenting organisations in Stirling, and promotes a culture where every care experienced child, young person, and adult feels loved, safe and respected.

As part of the festival, the National Wallace Monument will be illuminated, and artwork created by young people will be exhibited across Stirling venues.

The Art Collection will display an artwork created by young people from Stirling Champion Board and partner agencies – the window exhibit of the Wallace Monument was installed by students from Forth Valley College.   Although the festival ends on February 22, the artwork will remain in place at the entrance of the University’s Pathfoot Building until the end of April.

Sarah Bromage, Deputy Curator of the Art Collection, said: “The Art Collection is delighted to be hosting this art installation as part of the Tending the Light Festival. 

“We hope that this exhibit will help to raise awareness of Stirling’s care experienced children and young people.”

The artwork is displayed in Pathfoot Building.

The festival involves several partners including Stirling Council, Forth Valley College, Skills Development Scotland and national advocacy group Who Cares? Scotland.

The Council’s Children and Young People Convener, Cllr Susan McGill said: “It’s an honour for Stirling to host the Tending the Light Festival of Care as a way to celebrate the achievements and potential of our young people.

“Every child and young person has the right to feel safe and loved; it’s incumbent on us as a local authority to help provide an environment where we are able to allow our young people to thrive as they develop into adulthood.”