Objects of Substance- Manifesto

The Youth Manifesto Group, as they called themselves, were self-selecting. The only requirement was a commitment to the project which would be undertaken in out-of-school hours. Every Wednesday afternoon in the early months of 1999, the group would meet in G2.02 for what was later described as “long afternoons of laughter, debate, and eating”. It was during these sessions that the Manifesto was born. The words of the Manifesto are those of Caitlin Goss who turned up to our third meeting with the statement of belief fully formed. In 356 words, Caitlin encapsulated the hopes, aspirations and vision of youth around five main themes: peace, culture, freedom, education, and environment.

Pages from the section on culture: “… Nationality, creed, race or colour cannot be a basis for prejudice. No one should be ashamed or in fear as a result of beliefs they hold…”

With the belief statement in place, the rest of group turned its hand to illustrating the Manifesto. Eight original artworks were created, along with photoshopped images from the internet. One of the most evocative original art pieces was Erin Laurie’s massive fig tree, much like the one outside the Jameson RLC. Its imposing buttress roots are anchored to the earth while its gnarled trunk and outstretched branches, sprouting new growth, reach out into a Grammar-blue sky. It is an image of strength, endurance, and blue-sky thinking that characterises the Manifesto.