In Simpler Times

As part of our Young Cultural Changemaker Programme on the Isle of Wight, students at the Island Learning Centre have worked with artist Teresa Grimaldi to make an animation reflecting on childhood, past and present; addressing issues for young people today. 

The themes of the project were shaped by the students themselves at a workshop in September 2023, which was led by poet and cartoonist Adam Gaterell. The issues raised by the young people were used to write an open call-out to artists. 

Three artists were shortlisted to pitch to students at a dragons’ den selection process and Teresa Grimaldi was chosen by the young people to work with them on a creative project that would have a positive impact on young people and the wider community. 

Their film, In Simpler Times, uses a wide range of creative techniques to explore themes around childhood, including animation, projection, woodworking, stencils, storyboarding and text. The students also worked with artist Paradox Paul to reimagine toys and play. 

The film starts from a historical perspective, with the Victorian chimney climbing boy Valentine Gray – where the threats to young people were often physical – to now, where the pressures are often mental and emotional. 

It focuses on the complexities of the digital age, which brings a wealth of tools, but anxieties too; exploring how social media is having an impact on how we relate to each other, the communities we live in and our sense of self. 

The relationship between young people and older people is another theme – each can be judgmental of the other and tend not to see the real person behind the young person/​old person stereotype. The students explored this topic in a wonderful conversation with older people from Independent Arts’ SingAbout group, which features in the soundtrack of the film. 

Original music for the film was developed by the students, working with Jess Ong. This project was led by young people and was successful in addressing the issues that are important to them through creative expressions encouraging understanding between young people and the wider community. 

This project is supported by public funding from Arts Council England.