what was the aim of the project?
What’s it like to grow up in the world’s very first Garden City? That’s exactly what Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation wanted to find out as part of their A Great Place to Grow Up strategy. It’s why they commissioned us here at TMC to help them uncover the thoughts, views and imaginations of Letchworth’s young people. Together, we wanted to explore how Letchworth could become a more youth-friendly and inclusive space. And to find the answer, we handed the lens to those who know best: the young people themselves.
what happened next?
With heaps of experience working with and supporting artists across the cultural sector, we recruited a photographer to lead this exciting project.
In partnership with Fearnhill School, nine brilliant students from Years 9 to 13 took part in a four-day photography project. This was all about supporting the young people to see their town through a fresh perspective while gaining real-world skills along the way. From photojournalism to event planning and even curating their own exhibition, these young creatives became storytellers of their own town, capturing what it really feels like to be a young person growing up in Letchworth today.
what exciting activities did the young people explore over the four days?
Students were introduced to various types of photojournalism, including observational photography, symbolic photography and the use of juxtaposition. They went on various photography walks, exploring natural spaces around their school and then undertook urban photography walks in more built-up areas across the town.
Throughout the third day of the project, the young people planned the final exhibition. From designing the invitations to curating the final photographs for display, the young people organised everything for the exhibition day with support from the lead artist and photographer. They also assigned themselves specific roles to cover presenting and audio production, with collaboration and authentic youth voice sitting at the heart of this process.
why was this project important?
The A Great Place to Grow Up Photography Project serves as a powerful example of what can happen when young people are given the space, trust and tools to express their voices.
Did you know that all nine of the young participants said that the workshops met their expectations, while eight said it helped them to express their voices and helped them feel more connected to Letchworth?
Photography became a vehicle for that expression, enabling young participants to share their stories, viewpoints and identities in a creative and personal way. Exploring different areas of Letchworth gave them the chance to connect more deeply with the town, its history, green spaces and community life, while also sparking curiosity and critical thinking.
A key strength of the project was its commitment to youth agency. From selecting photos to shaping the event itself, young people were involved every step of the way. This sense of ownership not only boosted their confidence, but helped them develop new skills and a stronger belief in their own voice.
The exhibition brought together members of the school, wider community, and local authorities, creating an inclusive and interactive space where young people stood alongside their work and speak directly about their journeys. This connection between youth and community fostered mutual understanding and highlighted the value of seeing the town through young people’s eyes.
