George the Poet Collaborates with Youth to Enhance Art Accessibility

In an innovative initiative aimed at increasing art accessibility for young people, renowned spoken-word artist George the Poet has partnered with the Mayor of London’s violence reduction unit to create an immersive exhibition titled Art of Expression at Frameless, London. The exhibition features a reinterpretation of classic masterpieces, including Edvard Munch's The Scream and Hokusai's The Great Wave off Kanagawa, transforming them into engaging, accessible experiences. This project, which runs throughout the summer of 2025, seeks to dismantle the barriers traditionally associated with the art world.

George the Poet, whose real name is George Mpanga, emphasized the importance of immersive art as a means of inclusivity, stating, "When it comes to immersive art, there are no barriers to entry. You don’t need a language for this. It’s accessible in many ways" (Bakare, 2025). He believes that such initiatives can broaden horizons for young people, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. He remarked, "A lot of the conflict I saw growing up was exacerbated by the feeling of not being able to leave the community," highlighting how exposure to art can invite new experiences and perspectives.

The exhibition incorporates spoken-word pieces developed during workshops with a group of young individuals from the violence reduction unit. These workshops were designed to encourage participants to creatively engage with the artworks and express their interpretations, thus fostering a sense of ownership and involvement in the arts.

As part of this project, a study commissioned by George the Poet surveyed 2,000 young people about their perceptions of art and accessibility. The findings revealed that nearly two-thirds of respondents desire greater access to art, while 25% found galleries intimidating. Additionally, 40% expressed uncertainty about pursuing a career in the arts, reflecting significant barriers to entry based on socio-economic backgrounds.

Tafari Clarke, a member of the Young People’s Action Group, echoed these sentiments, stating, "Being an artist isn’t really glamorized like being a lawyer or being a footballer. For me, art was definitely outside the box" (Bakare, 2025). This sentiment is further supported by research from the Sutton Trust, which indicates that the creative industries are predominantly populated by individuals from affluent backgrounds. According to their findings, a significant disparity exists in access to the arts, with only a small percentage of arts workers having working-class roots.

George the Poet advocates that enhancing access to art is not only beneficial for the youth but also for the arts institutions themselves. He asserted that cultivating confidence in young people regarding their artistic interests can have profound effects on their mental health, self-esteem, and self-expression. Furthermore, he posited that arts institutions need to adapt and embrace young audiences to remain relevant in the future.

The initiative has sparked discussions about the role of art in society and the importance of inclusivity in creative fields. As George the Poet aptly stated, "The future is our young people. If they don’t feel like custodians of these arts and these institutions, then it seems to me we would be moving backwards" (Bakare, 2025). This project not only aims to make art more accessible but also seeks to reshape the narrative around who can participate in and benefit from the arts, ensuring that all young people have the opportunity to connect with artistic expression.