We All Bloom Differently – exhibition created by Dorset’s care leavers has been extended

Due to popularity and positive visitor feedback, 'We all bloom differently', a special exhibition at the Dorset Museum and Art Gallery, has been extended for one more week. The exhibition will now run until Friday 8 November. 

‘We all bloom differently’ has been created by Dorset’s care leavers to mark National Care Leavers’ week. The exhibition offers an opportunity to explore the personal stories, thoughts, and creativity of those who have experienced being in care. 

Each piece reflects the individuality and resilience of young people who have overcome challenges and blossomed in their own unique ways.  

18 care experienced young people have been involved in the organisation of the exhibition, with many of them also showcasing their original work. Two of these young people are Alani and C-J. 

C-J said: “The exhibition is important to me because I want people to challenge the way they think of care experienced young people. Be proud with us of our achievements. Celebrate and enjoy.” 

Alani said: "The exhibition is important to me because I've never really had the chance to create and work out who I am as a person. I have always had to listen and follow rules. In care I had to be what was expected of me and that got in the way of exploring who I really am. This has been a chance to be seen as a person for who I am and not someone else's expectations. We have organised this as a team, actively listening together, and agreed what we wanted this exhibition to become. We have empowered each other to create something we are proud of." 

We all Bloom Differently originally ran from Monday 28th October to Friday 1st November, 10am until 5pm, and has since been extended for one more week. Entry to the exhibition is FREE. Our hope is that members of the local community will take time to visit and learn more about Dorset’s care leavers. 

Cllr Clare Sutton, Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education and Skills said: “The young people behind this exhibition invite you to consider the preconceptions often held towards those who are labelled as care experienced. Each young person, like their artwork, is unique, with a different lived experience. Come and lend your support, discover who our care leavers are, and find out what they have to say through their art and creativity.”    

Claire Dixon, CEO Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, said: "Dorset Museum & Art Gallery are thrilled to be hosting We all Bloom Differently in the Alice Ellen Cooper Dean Community Space. This co-curated exhibition by care leavers demonstrates our commitment to widening community participation and creating new ways for audiences to collaborate with us and engage with our collections.”  

Find out more about the exhibition and learn more about the Dorset Council Local Offer for Care Leavers.,