Tine Bech: LightTAG

21 February - 5 March 2011
Foyer Gallery, UCA Farnham

Led by visual artist, Tine Bech, from the University for the Creative Arts (UCA), and scientist Dr Kathryn Harkup, of the University of Surrey, young people from Hampshire, Kent and Surrey have been discovering a new way to explore youth culture - and challenge society's perception of it - through the science and art of light.

The LightTAG project offered workshops in Southampton, Staines, Farnham, Guildford, Hounslow and Canterbury where participants were taught how coloured LED lights could create light drawings and animations through an innovative camera technique to produce vibrant pieces of art.

The scheme will tour galleries in the South East from February 2011.

Tine Bech said: "LightTAG has been a fantastic experience for everybody involved. The young people who participated have created a really visually engaging project.

"One of the project goals is to show youth culture in a positive light and increase the visibility of young peoples' voices, which I think we've achieved."

LightTAG is a collaboration between UCA, the University of Surrey and the South East Physics Network (SEPnet). LightTAG worked with groups of young people who are either: care leavers; disabled; not in education; employment or training and who live within reach of SEPnet universities.

The project has enabled over 55 young people from six communities to build confidence and achievement through a unique science and media art collaboration.

Tine added: "We often forget that universities don't just award degrees but connect with communities, with businesses and in this case with young people. We are not an exclusive community for the few, but engaging with society in many innovation ways - LightTAG is just one of them.

James Hockey & Foyer Galleries, UCA Farnham

The James Hockey & Foyer Galleries are public exhibition spaces. The aim is to present work of lasting educational importance, which will invite participation and contribute to the public and professional debate. Respect for the specialist appreciation of disciplines, media and techniques remains vital to the promotion of the arts at the Galleries.