Young people from Nottingham are taking part in national project which aims to explore their heritage and identity, how they feel about where they live and how they see their future.

The project, entitled ‘Portrait of a Nation’, is supported by Heritage Lottery Fund and gives young people from Nottingham and 17 other cities across the UK a chance to share their cultural experiences and take part in events which celebrates their heritage and encourages young people to think about their own heritage and identity.

Councillor David Mellen, Nottingham City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, said: "This is another great example of the range of activities and projects that young people in our city can get involved. Portrait of a Nation is a fantastic opportunity for young people to celebrate who they are and where they come from and share their experiences with others."

Creative Room, part of Nottingham City Council’s Youth service, and the Council’s Arts and Events Service are behind Nottingham's project and have been working with young people since August to develop the creative work. Young People showcased some of their work as part of the ONE8festival on Saturday 27th September at Nottingham Castle. The event marked the starting point for Nottingham’s involvement with Portrait of a Nation.

The group of 10 young people have been working with film, sound, text and photography to explore Nottingham and what it means to them, their lives and how Nottingham shapes who they are. As a part of this project a caravan has been utilised as a workspace, gallery and general art experience, and this will be able to tour to events such as ONE8, Goose Fair and other parts of Nottingham gathering new material and information which will finally be presented in Liverpool at the Portrait of a Nation event.

The group is made up both of young people born in Nottingham and some who have made Nottingham their home. History and Identity are important elements for those who can’t live where they are born and this reflects some of the issues facing some of the young people involved in the project. Participants felt that a caravan was a great space to work with, reflecting the themes of travel and home, and also Nottingham being located so far from the sea.

Following the launch event at Nottingham Castle on 27 September, representatives from Nottingham and other youth projects across the UK will attend a parliamentary reception on 21st October in Westminster to showcase their contribution to ‘Portrait of a Nation’. They will then travel to Liverpool in December to put on performances and exhibitions to celebrate what makes their own city special. This spectacular festival will mark one of the final events of Liverpool’s European Capital of Culture 2008 celebrations.

For more information visit: www.portraitofanation.net/