A great honour has been bestowed upon the brilliant Copenhagen Play and Youth Partnership – they have been given £10,000 for a float of their own in the Lord Mayor’s show.  Local young people from the estates are making a float with their artwork including some of their iconic ‘hoodie ‘images.   

It is absolutely fantastic that young people from some of Britain’s poorest areas in our neighbourhood are being featured in the highlight of the City’s year.  Art is a really important way of engaging young people in constructive community activity.  When the show is over the art will be on display at the gallery at 334 Caledonian Road – details below.  The CPYP always needs more help and support – if you would like to volunteer or donate some cash please contact Antonia at this email or call the number in the press notice attached below.  I have worked with CPYP for many years – they are by far our best hope of giving local young people and alternative to anti-social behaviour.

‘The float, designed by CYP, features striking “Hoodie” sculptures made by young people at the ArtFlat in defiance of the negative stereotype. The float’s centerpiece is a colourful crane made from recycled milk crates. Brightly painted images of local landmarks and the King’s Cross skyline, created by children at Crumbles Castle and young mentors at CYP surround it. Young dancers from the Copenhagen Youth Project will accompany the float, as well as children and parents from Crumbles Castle Adventure Playground.

‘The CPYP float symbolises the young people’s creativity and energy, while expressing their hopes for their neighbourhood and the local regeneration taking place around them.

‘The float is also a celebration of the Copenhagen Play & Youth Partnership (CPYP), which for seven years has enabled the local voluntary sector play and youth workers to fundraise for their projects, and cooperate with other local agencies in order to improve facilities for young people and to create a child-friendly neighbourhood.

After the Lord Mayor’s Show, the artwork created for the CPYP float will be  the centrepiece of an exhibition “Where do you find us”, on display in  the CYP’s  ArtFlat Window at  334 Caledonian Rd, London N1, as part of the St Pancras International Arrivals Festival.  For more information see http://www.arrivals2007.org.uk

The CYP’s exhibition opens 6pm- 8pm on Wed 14 November, Press view from 2 pm . The show continues Thursday 15 November – Friday 14 December 2007. Viewing times 10 am to 5 pm Monday- Friday.