This project has aimed to raise the profile on the dreams and desires of young people, from the personal to the political. These events are about empowerment and voice. Participants learn what it means to express free speech and to make slogans that represent their dreams, desires and demands. Once out there, with slogans writ large in colourful collage, cloth and paint, the protest camp participants take to the streets, fields and festivals and broadcast their slogans through loudhailers and banners – a very visible and irrepressible creative force.

Ongoing since 2008, myself and fellow artist Sarah Conway-Dyer, began the project for children to explore what it means to have free speech in a democratic society.  The sessions have become a fascinating dialogue with young people on the rights and agency of the child in today’s society. Protest Camp promotes children’s ideas as an integral contribution to the wider conversation in society, even the smallest idea is taken seriously. As an experience it contributes to self-confidence, enquiry and imagination. It opens a much needed forum for the unheard voice of the child, in all its eccentricity. Our participants of all ages turn to surreal forms of expression when asked to ‘address the world’: “Insect loves Robot”, “Roses don’t Wear Sandals”, “I Want to Surf on the Moon”, “Stop the Golden Eagle!”. This voice of the irrational can be seen as an undervalued aspect in our goal towards a inclusive society.

“The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion” Albert Camus

Let the Grass Grow. Roses don’t wear Sandals. Insect Loves Robot. I want to be a mermaid. I want more ears and eyes. Stop the Golden Eagle. Horses Rule so I Rule. I wish everyone had turquiose coloured Skin. I wish bread could fly. I want to Surf on the Moon. Bugs need Love. Muffins are ugly Cupcakes. Pirhanas Rule. Sweets for Everyone. I Love the Sun. Princes say Princesses are Yeah. Chickens Rule. My name is Lillie. Butterflies Rock. Up With Love. Brave Unique Animals. Stop Wasting Water. I Want to Skydive Down the Stairs. We want to be Invisible. Kidz are the New Adults. I want to be a Narwal. Blonde and Proud. Bagels into Helicopters. I want real Snakes. Bring back Dragons. I want an Artists hat. Save Dolphins. I Love the Moon. Knight Pirate. I want to be a Zombie. Ghosts are Cool. Firestar. I like Magic. I love my Family. I want to dance and sing. Music for everybody. Giant Pirhanas Rule. Look after the World. Invent a Flying Suit. Eat Flowers. More Art. Jump on Beds. Mermaids should walk. Robots love to give presents. Football rules. Girls Rule. Boys Rule. Chocolate Rules. Monkeys were here first. I like to make a mess. Trees are exhausted. Everyone is beautiful. Fangtastic Vampz. Cricket is wicked. Don’t Kill Animals. Play the Piano. Save the tigers. Longer playtime. Babies poo nappies. Outdoor rules. Don’t kill nature. More Art. More Plants. Love Football. Chocolate all the Time. Kids Rule. Robots are cool. Butterfly Rock. More Pirahnas. Love Foxes. Don’t Leave Nan. Love animals. Rock Faces Rule. Fossils Rock. Stop the fabis. basketball rules.I heart Art. Leave my Chocolate. Its your World. Love Toys. Hedgehogs are great. More Art. Westham rule. The World is a wonder. Tottenham rule. Save the snow jaguar. Love Animals. What is war for? Love Skateboarding. Boo to Football. Play Piano. Flowers Rock. Save the Animals. Don’t destroy Daleks. Down with poaching. I heart dance. Cricket forever. Choc Whale. I heart Dogses.  Flowers are cool. Autumn is fun. Down with adults.

more images at http://themischiefmakers.wordpress.com