CAN Young Artists created a new piece of work in spring 2021

Their new project was developed through outreach in Manchester’s diverse communities which continued the group’s proud history of making diversity its strength.  The project reaches out to unaccompanied children from the city’s refugee communities through our work with The Children’s Society and other agencies.

In February 2021, CAN Young Artists shared their beautiful and moving film Would You Take My Hand? which was partly inspired by the extensive world collections of Manchester Museum.

“I wake up and see people from all over the world…”

“The place I call home has the world on its doorstep.”

“I have friends from Hong Kong, Belgium, Egypt, Latvia, Somalia, Slovenia, Poland, Sudan, Emirates…”

Made pre-lockdown, the film was part of the collaboration between CAN, Manchester Museum, and Manchester City of Literature. The film was screened as part of Manchester City of Literature’s 2021 online celebrations of UNESCO’s International Mother Tongue Day to UK, international, and Manchester audiences.

“What a beautiful film…I have a wonderful glow under my chest bone.”

Using the film as a jumping-off point, CAN Young Artists’ new project will explore the group’s connections to Manchester, the city’s connection to them, and their place in the wider world.

The group were delighted to be back meeting up for taster sessions every Tuesday and Thursday.

Here are some pictures from drumming and puppet making workshops.

Supported by BBC Children in Need.