The front cover of last year’s CIRCY annual report called Relax, calm, peace, magical

Researchers at the University of Sussex are to host an online gallery of art created by children and young people during lockdown.

The Centre for Innovation and Research in Childhood and Youth (CIRCY) at the University of Sussex is inviting children and young people up to the age of 18 to take part in a community arts project which will build a picture of lockdown through their eyes.

Young participants are being asked to make a piece of visual artwork on the theme of Through My Window and then submit a photograph of this to the researchers at the Through My Window webpage.

Academics will then select as many pictures as possible to be displayed in an online art gallery on the CIRCY website. Some of the images will also be republished in CIRCY’s annual report, which will be published in August.

Michelle Lefevre, Professor of Social Work at the University of Sussex and CIRCY director, said: “We know that, all over the world, families have been living life somewhat differently due to the impact of COVID-19. Many families have been in lockdown, unable to leave home at all - or just in limited ways.

“We’re also aware that arts and crafts have been a common way for many children and young people to express themselves during this period - or to simply have some fun.

“We want as many children and young people as possible, from anywhere in the world, to take part in as many ways as possible.

“We’re asking entrants to feel free to draw, paint, make a collage, or find some other way of making an image on the theme of Through My Window.

“The online gallery will be a public space that the young art makers, their family and friends can look at, and will provide a permanent public record of children’s perceptions of this extraordinary period."

CIRCY was established in 2012 and brings together experts in social sciences, sciences, arts, humanities and child-focused professions.

The centre has an international outlook and aims to make a positive difference to the lives of children and young people, working closely with policymakers, professionals and young people and their families.

Previous annual reports by the centre have included submitted artwork on the theme of nature and the environment, kindness, and picturing the future.

Submissions for Through My Window should be sent by Tuesday 30 June via an entry form at http://www.sussex.ac.uk/esw/circy/projects/throughmywindow.

Children under the age of 16 will be asked to provide consent from a parent or guardian before being included in the project.