A GROUP of budding artists will put on a thought-provoking exhibition to tackle issues facing young people.

Young Art Kommunity (YAK), which is made up of young people aged 15 to 25, is setting up a new exhibition called Zero Contract: Zero Contact at Firstsite, Lewis Gardens, Colchester from November 4 to 26.

This exciting exhibition is in collaboration with Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and will examine how many young moped and motorbike riders are faced with zero-hour contract jobs delivering fast food.

The exploitative nature of a zero-hour contract, where legally a business does not have to provide the individual with work but they are essentially on call when the business does require them, is something many fast food delivery drivers face.

 

Gazette: Building - The front exterior of Firstsite in ColchesterBuilding - The front exterior of Firstsite in Colchester (Image: Jayne Lloyd Photography)

It will also shine a light on the addictive use of the internet and how the constant increase of using apps on our phones is resulting in the reduction of genuine person-to-person social interaction.

As a collaboration with the fire service, the exhibition will also delve into the possible dangers that young riders face using two-wheeled transport to make the fast food deliveries due to the ongoing road safety concerns in the city.

It will also question whether the use of company uniforms and crash helmets impacts how other road users see the individual as something other than human.

The exhibition will feature fifteen eye-catching and hand-painted motorcycle helmets which were kindly donated to YAK by residents.

The bosses at Firstsite are thrilled with this pop-up exhibition taking place next month.

Gazette: Art - One of the pieces that will be on display called LukeArt - One of the pieces that will be on display called Luke (Image: Firstsite/YAK)

Gazette: Freya - Another artwork from the forthcoming exhibition Freya - Another artwork from the forthcoming exhibition (Image: Firstsite/YAK)

Sally Shaw MBE, Director of Firstsite said: “Zero Contract: Zero Contact is a great example of how, together with YAK and external partners such as Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, we can highlight a really important issue that affects younger members of our community through art and creativity to inspire fresh perspectives."

Andrea MacAlister, the Temporary Head of Prevention at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is delighted with this partnership.

“Working with Firstsite’s Young Artist Kommunity on this project has been a fantastic collaboration, and I have been so impressed with their creative ideas and considerations on this subject.

 “The showcase of their work is thought-provoking, emotive and powerful.

“They should be really proud of what they have achieved.”