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YMCA Mansfield project

Over the course of ten weeks, Inspire Youth Arts collaborated with the young people at YMCA Mansfield. The work displayed here is a culmination of this project, which gathered, amplified and celebrated the stories and experiences of young people living at the YMCA. 

The project, which saw three artists in residence at the YMCA, lasted for 10 weeks. The young people collaborated with Matt Miller, a Poet and Theatre Practitioner, Tom Bacon, a Music Producer and Songwriter, and Tasha Poland, a Digital Visual Artist.

Digital illustration including a bike, headphones, red trainers and a boat.
Digital illustration including a red bed, trees, and purple curtains.
Digital illustration of a Scottish flag, can of Irn Bru, a microphone and coffee.

Matt could be found sat on a bean bag in the corner of the room, chatting to a small group of young people. Listening attentively, turning the anecdotes and stories of everyday YMCA life into poems. With Matt’s guidance, the young people crafted their own prose and poetry, which you can read here.

Tom came with all sorts of digital equipment ready to make music. He collaborated with the young people, teaching them the basics of music composition. Their melodies were brought to life, crafting a soundtrack to their time at the YMCA

Tasha spent her time scribbling, doodling and adding colour to everything she heard, working with the young people to draw visuals that represented their feelings and favourite memories. These vibrant, dynamic images are an amalgamation of memories, moments and feelings from the YMCA Mansfield.

The project has provided the young people a creative output to express their time at the YMCA Mansfield, to celebrate both their individual stories and collective experiences, with a nod of appreciation to the staff that support them.

You will find the animated film here on Wednesday 7 January 2026, 5pm!