An exceptional project involving a street team of young people in Slough customising trainers reached a finale with a touring exhibition.
Through the ‘Sneaker Seeker’ project, at the Slough Young People’s Centre (SYPC), young people examined sneakers as a form of identity and heritage to create a living archive of their experiences with sneakers.
The trainers and other work produced by participants, were on display at an exhibition at Slough Museum throughout May 2009. Following the exhibition, the distinctive trainers went on tour to two other locations, including the Empire Cinema in Slough.
The Slough project, led by a group of ten young people called the Sneaker Seeker Street Team, ran for six months with funding by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Through a series of workshops, they learnt about traditional and modern sneaker customisation techniques and customised their very own free pair of Nike Air Force 1 Sneakers. They also took part in workshops organised by Future Culture Ltd on photography, photoshop, podcasting, break dancing, graffiti and film.
Industry leaders from sneaker designers to sneaker journalists, customisers and retailers were involved and have remarked on the professionalism and enthusiasm of all who took part.
One young Slough person who was part of the team said: “Working on Sneaker Seeker has been really exciting and has made me realise you can achieve anything if you put hard work and enthusiasm into it. This project has not only got me thinking about my heritage and background, but also about a career in events management.”
Sascha White, SYPC manager, added: “Sneaker Seeker has captured the imaginations of young people across Slough. Sneakers have proved an excellent route to engaging them in exploring their heritage, and SYPC is extremely proud to have been able to offer such an innovative opportunity for our young people.”
Michelle Davies, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund in South East England, said: “This is an imaginative way of using a commonplace item inextricably linked to youth culture to introduce a diverse group of young people to the concept of heritage.”
For more information on Slough Young People’s Centre please contact Sascha White on 01753539300 or email sascha.white@slough.gov.uk.
Slough Borough Council
