Your Stories

Coming from as far afield as Kurdistan, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Senegal and Zambia, all the asylum seekers taking part in the Shared Horizon project are currently living in Wakefield, Kirklees and parts of South Yorkshire.

Image from Shared Horizon © YSP

Starting in October 2008, Shared Horizon has seen this group of 14 to 18-year-old lone asylum seekers faced with the challenge of capturing on camera their favourite bits of West Yorkshire landscape, many of which turned out to be at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP).

The idea behind Shared Horizons was to give those taking part a chance to work together, share experiences and learn more about themselves and each other - with some fine photographs as the end result.

Helen Moore, Community and Outreach Coordinator at the YSP, says: "Unaccompanied minors are at particular disadvantage because many are not placed in care. This can lead to loneliness, boredom and isolation. The stunning landscape at YSP has become a place of sanctuary by providing an escape through social and cultural activities."

The young people taking part in Shared Horizon speak little or no English and the project's organisers were hoping that photography might be used as a tool to improve their English skills. The result is described as 'an eclectic mix of outstanding shots including of YSP: a place that has captured the imagination of these young photographic talents'.

Jamal Ali, one of the asylum seekers who've been working hard behind the lens, says: "I did not know that every art has a story to tell. I really wish I could go to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park every day and learn something new. There is so much to learn from that place."

Image from Shared Horizon © YSP

Helen Moore adds that she hopes Shared Horizon will give everyone taking part a chance to find out a bit more about what life's really like in their adoptive home: "By hosting an exhibition, we aim to give young refugees and asylum seekers the opportunity to participate in the cultural life of the region, creating a sense of belonging in Yorkshire."

The photographs are unveiled at the YSP on Friday 24th April 2009 by Wakefield MP Mary Creagh. She says: "I'm delighted to open the Shared Horizon exhibition. Yorkshire Sculpture Park is one of the top art spaces in the country. Their work with young refugees is a fantastic example of how art can reach out to all sections of our community."

Shared Horizon runs at the Central Upper Space at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Bretton, Wakefield from 24th April to 3rd July 2009.