“I feel like I belong somewhere.“

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Art, Agency and Creative Activism for every child in Scotland

Jupiter + is an ambitious national programme that brings world class art to the high streets and the young people of Scotland, be proud of their community, spark an ambition to work in the creative industries and secure Scotlands Cultural future.

Working together with local councils, we create a learning studio that becomes the
incubator for these young practioners. The workshops provoke new thinking at an important stage of development and when fundamental decisions about their future are about to be made.

Jupiter + provides mentoring, practical skills and inspirational teaching through
experimentation and exploration and by taking creative risks to open a world of possibilities to young people.

Every school in the county is invited to attend and visit the commissioned work. We are delighted by the engagement and feedback which demonstrated to us that really challenging artwork together with careful supportive dynamic learning, provokes a sense of agency and creative activism in our students.

Read more about Jupiter+

In 2022 frustrated by geographical ties Jupiter launched JUPITER+, World-class artworks were brought to the post covid, decimated high streets across Scotland and an education programme powered by the belief that by bringing world class art to the doorstep would inspire the next generation of artists in Scotland. A pipeline would be created of young people who feel an agency in their community and express it through creative activism.

Jupiter+ Perth began in 2022 and had over 8000 visitors to the Rachel Maclean ‘Upside Down Mimi ‘shop installation with 425 young people benefitting from workshops and mentoring. Every school in the county attended. In Ayr, in 2023, 4000 members of public visitors enjoyed the installation, and 542 learners directly
benefitted from day long workshops. Every school attended recognised the opportunity for their senior year groups to benefit from both the mentoring and digital skills that were delivered.

For 2024 Jupiter + Paisley developed a new project by Anya Gallaccio, a notable figure in arts and culture, whose roots trace back to Paisley. Anya serves as an inspiration for the younger generation. Her successful wide and varied practice, which spans multiple mediums and themes, exemplifies the power of embracing
diverse artistic expressions. ‘Stroke,’ is an iconic installation, an entire room in dark, beautifully scented chocolate that engages the senses and is an example of Gallaccio’s extraordinary subversion of materials.

Alongside the new installation the busy learning studio focuses on students’ agency and creative activism. By offering mentoring sessions, advice, portfolio suggestions and 360-degree wrap around Q and A time for young citizens we signpost how they can get involved with their community and have their voice heard. Paisley has always had a history of social activism and by using the workshops we are an incubator for thinking and creative activism in young people. Jupiter+ is paving the way for a more inclusive cultural dialogue that will not only enrich the artistic landscape but also foster a sense of ownership and pride in their community. After the summer of 2024 where activism was shown in both a positive and negative force
on the streets of Great Britain, we hope to guide Scottish youth to finding opportunities that will allow them to positively contribute to their community by having their voice heard constructively.