Art exhibition highlights problem of knife crime

In the West of England, Knife Crime Awareness Week is an important event that takes place every year from May 19 to May 25. This week is organized by The Ben Kinsella Trust, which aims to raise awareness about the serious issue of knife crime and its impact on young people. As part of this initiative, an art exhibition will be held to showcase school shirts that have been creatively decorated with anti-knife crime messages. The exhibition will take place at The Lord Mayor's Chapel in Bristol on May 19. The shirts are designed by young people aged 13 to 25 from Bristol, who participated in a project called Empty Shirts, Lost Childhoods. In this project, they were invited to express their feelings and experiences related to knife crime by decorating plain white school shirts with poetry, slogans, and artwork. Dr. Jade Levell from the University of Bristol, who led the project, emphasized that the exhibition is crucial in highlighting the voices of young people affected by knife crime. The aim of Knife Crime Awareness Week is to inform the public about the devastating effects of knife crime and to promote solutions that can help prevent it. The shirts feature powerful messages such as 'lives not knives' and 'we want to feel safe. ' One shirt even poses the poignant question 'Why me? ' Dr. Levell explained that the project encourages people to reflect on the concept of childhood for those who are unable to attend school due to violence. Many young people miss out on significant milestones in their lives, such as graduation, because they are either victims of violence or involved in criminal activities. This project represents a unique collaboration between the University of Bristol, local schools, and youth organizations, aiming to address the issue of youth violence through creative expression. The exhibition will be held at The Lord Mayor's Chapel, and it is free for the public to attend. The shirts also include messages like 'Your beautiful RIP,' which serve as a tribute to those who have lost their lives to violence. This initiative is inspired by a global movement that raises awareness about gender-based violence, but it is the first time it has been adapted to focus on serious youth violence in the UK. The organizers hope that the exhibition will spark important conversations and shift perceptions from viewing young people as criminals to understanding their experiences and providing support. Additionally, community members are invited to contribute to a 'community manifesto' that will be shared with Bristol City Council and other partners to inform future strategies for preventing youth violence. Various organizations, including Barnardo's, Empire Fighting Chance, Youth Moves, and City of Bristol College, are participating in this effort. Duncan Stanway, an assistant director at Barnardo's, stressed the importance of listening to the voices of young people affected by violence. He noted that far too many young people suffer serious harm due to exploitation and violence. This initiative is part of a broader citywide effort led by the Bristol City Office, which aims to tackle serious youth violence through collaboration among community groups, academics, law enforcement, and public health organizations. Clare Moody, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset, praised the initiative, stating that it powerfully captures the voices and experiences of young people impacted by violence. The exhibition will be open to the public from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on May 19, and everyone is encouraged to attend and engage with the important messages conveyed through the artwork on the shirts.