Never Such Innocence is a charity that provides a space for children and young people to reflect on the realities of war and conflict, where they are able to convey their thoughts and feelings on war and its impacts through art, writing, poetry and song.
Founded in 2014 by Lady Lucy French OBE, for, and to think about the centenary of the First World War, the charity from 2019 expanded its work to include conflict in all forms and throughout history, up to and including the present day. Never Such Innocence have currently worked with children and young people from 129 countries on events, workshops and through international artistic competitions—which form part of the charity's current three year programme entitled 'Conversations On Conflict'. The art competition initiative, invites young people and children aged 9 to 18, from all over the world to respond artistically on a different question each year. Year 2022/2023 asked, 'What Does War Mean To You?', year 2023/2024 questioned 'How Does War Affect People's Lives?' and for the upcoming year, Never Such Innocence will be reaching out to young people and children to respond to the question 'How do we prevent future wars?'
Alongside this programme, in celebration of the participants artistic works and for the 10th year anniversary of Never Such Innocence, the charity held an exhibition at the Royal Society of Arts, showcasing a variety of artworks that speak on conflict, its effects, and the impacts war has on families, school, friends, and more.
Looking back at the exhibition Katie Salari, Chief Executive Officer of Never Such Innocence speaks about the show and on some of the artworks that were on display which form part of the three year programme asking the important questions on conflict.
The artistic skill of the young people and children are immense, their capability to transmit through art their emotions and thoughts with great artistry and expression is impressive to view. Each artwork carries a reflection on war and all hold within their brushstrokes and mark making empathy and compassion for humanity. Conflict is seen through the lens of the young people and children, how it affects the lives who experience war first hand and those who sense it through hearing about it. The young people and children's artworks are poignant and touching, their views, thoughts and emotions all come through their creativity.
Katie Salari, CEO of Never Such Innocence talks about the exhibition held at the RSA, and on the artworks, 'Air Alarm' by Veronika I. 9-11, Ukraine; The 'Weight of Red' by Victoria L. 14-16, United States; and, 'A Child from Syria ' by Viara P. 9-11, Bulgaria
Artworks and Artists from the Never Such Innocence exhibition at the RSA:
Prisoner of War by Mina L.S. 14-16, England
Eyes Wide Shut but Mind Wide Open by Vasko S. 14-16, Greece
Love, Peace and Poppies by Kedaton C. 9-11, United States
Canada Bereft by Yuren W. 11-14, Canada
A Child from Syria by Viara P. 9-11, Bulgaria
Perspective by Wonnie C. 11-14, United States
Don't Ignore the Red Paint by Grace W. 16-18, United States
In Between by Suleyman A.Z. 9-11, Turkey
Tears of hope by Mariam A,K. 16-18, Nigeria
Run, Run, Run by Yun-Chieh F. 11-14, Taiwan
Pray and Move Forward by Shu-Yen Y. 14-16, Taiwan
Promise Me This Won't Be Our Last by Brianna O.T. 14-16, Indonesia
Until The Day We Find Unity by Isabelle K. 14-16, United States
Broken by Aimee W. 16-18, Scotland
Civilisation’s Waves by Zigan Z.14-16, New Zealand
Impact of Conflict on Communities by Chamith I. 9-11, Sri Lanka
Life After Conflict by Jinghan Z. 9-11, China
The Cost of Survival by Katie H. 11-14, Scotland
New Eyes by Belle S. 16-18, South Africa
Indigenismo XXI (Fundación Colegio Americano de Quito - Joaquin D, Emil E, Julia S, Avelina S, Rafaela P, Anna P.T 16-18, Ecuador
The Psyche of Lost Youth by Diana Y. 16-18, US Virgin Islands
Family Portrait by Emily N. 16-18, United States
Come Home for Dinner (Please) by Sangeun N. 16-18, Singapore
What Does a Tank Mean Anyway by Julia M. 16-18, Russia
The Story of Srebrenica by Denis A. 14-16, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Their Eyes Were Watching by Katie S. 14-16, United States
The Weight of Red by Victoria L. 14-16, United States
The Silence of Comfort Women by Ye-un C.G. 16-18, United States
Air Alarm by Veronika I. 9-11, Ukraine
Looking Into a Traumatic Void by Kristine C.16-18, Seoul
The Reality of War by Suha Suha Art School: Iris T, Hyunsuh K, Katherine K, Abigail K, Daniel L, Anna K, Amy K, Ellia K and Gayeong S 14-16, USA
Continental Claustrophobia by Lilianna H 16-18, Hungary
The Never Such Innocence by Endie N 16-18, Sweden
Artwork prints are available to support the charity: https://form.jotform.com/241746873407060