The S M I L E-ing Boys and S M I L E-ing Girls is a joyful celebration led by project founder and artist Kay Rufai. The transformative Send Me Inspiring Loving Energy (S.M.I. L. E.) projects took place in 10-week programmes with students at Queen’s Park Community School in Brent. In these creative arts happiness programmes, Kay uses photography, poetry and film to support the mental health and wellbeing of Black young people, while challenging the negative stereotypes that surround them in the media and in wider society.
Bringing these young peoples’ portraits and stories into The Gallery at Willesden Green Library makes space for them to be seen and celebrated by their families and by the wider community. The exhibition is curated by Brent Emerging Curators and continues across the borough. A large-scale digital exhibition is open at Wembley Park celebrating joy and positive representation to a large public audience.
The S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys and S.M.I.L.E-ing Girls project was supported by:
Leon Gidigbi, Yvonne Shelling, Theresa Macharia, Victoria Chukwudum, Alicia IHEKAJi and Lola Rufai.