Eight powerful artworks created by students from Lionheart School are now on display in the café space at Quay Arts, Newport, throughout August.
The pieces form part of Words Beyond Language, an exhibition developed in collaboration with artist Nathan Holt, and explore the impact and power of spoken word.
Exploring words through sound and art
The work is the result of a creative project delivered as part of Artswork’s Young Cultural Changemakers programme, supported by Arts Council England.
Students used cymatics and spectrograms—tools that turn sound into visual patterns—to explore the physical shape of their own speech. These sound-generated patterns then became the foundation for their final artworks, created using a mix of spray paint, etching, text and acrylic.
Focus on expression and confidence
Twenty Key Stage 3 and 4 students took part in the project, which aimed to build vocabulary, voice and speaking confidence—key elements of what is known as oracy. Research links improved oracy with better academic performance and mental health outcomes.
Juliet Lainson, Art Teacher at Lionheart School, explained how the project supported their ethos:
“Lionheart believes that every child has the potential to thrive and that learning happens best when students feel seen, heard and understood. Creative learning encourages collaboration and exploration where students may feel more comfortable to express themselves.”
She continued,
“This project has been a fantastic opportunity for the students to work collaboratively with creative professionals and industries. We would like to thank Artswork, Kreative Studios and Quay Arts for their continued support.”
Celebrating student creativity
Nathan Holt, the artist leading the project, praised the students’ efforts.
“Once again I am so impressed with the brilliant artworks produced by the Lionheart students. This project required focusing on complex subjects and summoning the courage to speak out in a positive way. Having the artworks exhibited on the Quay Arts’ cafe wall is testament to the student’s courageous creativity and admirable dedication.”
Amplifying young voices
Peta Rainford, Placemaking Creative Producer with Artswork, highlighted the wider context of the project.
“We know from our many creative consultations that children and young people on the Isle of Wight tend to feel that their voices aren’t heard or their opinions taken into account. This can have a significant impact on confidence and self esteem. I am excited that this project has allowed the Lionheart students to create these striking visual representations of their spoken words.”
This project builds on Artswork’s earlier work, No Decisions About Us Without Us, which worked with Barton Primary School to produce protest songs, poetry and creative artworks that also featured at Quay Arts.
On display until the end of August
Ian Whitmore, Visual Arts and Education Manager at Quay Arts, added,
“We are delighted to continue to partner with Lionheart School to showcase students work.”
Words Beyond Language is open to the public and runs until Sunday 31st August on the café wall at Quay Arts, Little London, Newport.
