A soccer star and a major London museum collaborate to provide opportunities for young people

A soccer star and one of London’s most important museums together for a project that aims to develop the creativity of young people. In fact, the Raheem Sterling Foundation, the foundation established by soccer player Raheem Sterling (a past between Liverpool and Manchester City, now at Chelsea, and a mainstay of the England national team), and the National Portrait Gallery are launching a creative engagement and skills development program for young people, titled Making of Me, which aims to raise the professional aspirations of young people interested in expressing themselves through art.

Combining photography and portraiture, the program will allow participants to produce a work of art by collaborating with photographers, filmmakers and digital producers to explore themes of personal identity, representation, place and community. The program will give 30 young Londoners the opportunity to learn a variety of skills and knowledge needed to advance into future creative careers. It will aim to strengthen their sense of community and belonging as they explore themes from their own experiences and perspectives.

Created in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery and funded by the Raheem Sterling Foundation, the Making of Me project will consist of twelve workshops and master classes led by a dedicated Project Manager beginning in fall 2022. Making of Me builds on the extensive work done with young people and schools in London (and beyond) by the National Gallery as part of its Inspiring People project, increasing the Gallery’s reach and relevance during its closure. The young participants were chosen from within the Ark Academy Network, and noted for their commitment to and interest in art and culture. They will take inspiration from the Gallery’s Collection, responding to portraits to develop their ideas, taking them from concept to reality.

The program will culminate in 2023, when the National Portrait Gallery will make its long-awaited reopening after undergoing a major transformation of its building. The works created by the young participants as part of Making of Me will be exhibited at the Gallery when the building reopens. Following the Making of Me project, the Raheem Sterling Foundation and the National Portrait Gallery will consider further national and international collaborations in the future.

“The National Portrait Gallery,” says Liz Smith, director of education at the National Portrait Gallery, "is delighted to be working in partnership with the Raheem Sterling Foundation. Made initially in Raheem’s hometown of Brent, our new partnership will provide opportunities for young people to learn new skills by working in collaboration with artists and makers. Making of Me will provide project participants with access to the gallery’s inspiring collection, as well as exciting and creative opportunities within our industry."

Clive Ellington, chairman of the trustees of the Raheem Sterling Foundation, commented, “Social mobility, education and employment are the three pillars of the Foundation and this project fits perfectly with what we aim to achieve: to help expand horizons, raise aspirations and create opportunities for the next generation. It is important for us to continue developing innovative and engaging projects that help encourage young people, support them to realize their full potential, and provide essential life lessons to help them grow, personally and professionally. We look forward to working with Liz and the National Portrait Gallery team and following the young people as they embark on this incredible journey.”

A soccer star and a major London museum collaborate to provide opportunities for young people

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