National Saturday Club members visit London to see their artwork on display

Talented young people from across the city and county have been showing off their artwork at a national exhibition in London. 

Members of the University of Derby’s National Saturday Club programme visited the Embankment Galleries at Somerset House where their creations were showcased alongside work from more than 2,000 young people from across the country.

The event was part of the National Saturday Club’s annual Summer Show and marked the conclusion of this year’s club programme.

The University of Derby Saturday Club mornings are part of a national network for 13-16-year-olds where young people from the city and county who have an interest in creative and artistic practice meet.

The free-to-attend club helps young people learn new skills, develop their talents and meet new people. Each club revolves around a particular subject strand, with the University of Derby's strand being 'Society & Change'.

The weekly sessions are designed to prompt the young people to ask themselves what it means to be a citizen of the world, and what changes they might want to see in their local community – and these ideas were reflected in the artwork they produced for the Summer Show.

One club member said:

“I was so excited to see my artwork in a real gallery. It was an amazing experience and I learned so much this year.”

Another added:

“Being part of the Saturday Club has been really inspiring. The trip to London has been the highlight of my year.”

The University of Derby’s Saturday Club is led by the Civic Team, in partnership with Artcore, Baby People, DANCOP, Derby County Community Trust, Derby Theatre and Family Hub Derby.

Its programme of events this year has included a dance masterclass led by world-class breaker Kid Karam.

Zunaid Saiyed, National Saturday Club Manager at the University of Derby, said:

“The creativity and enthusiasm of the young people in our Saturday Club has been incredible. It’s wonderful to see their hard work celebrated on such a prestigious platform.”

The National Saturday Club forms part of the University’s public engagement strategy and align with its goals as a civic institution. 

Find out more about the Civic University Agreement.

Find out more about the University’s Civic activity.