Excav8 2.0: We Are Artists
"We are artists, not just children."
Those simple words, spoken by one of our participants, perfectly capture the spirit of Excav8 2.0.
Over the past 20 weeks, a fantastic group of home-educated young people have immersed themselves in an extraordinary creative journey, exploring the connections between history, museums, technology and contemporary art. Developed by Elevator Arts in collaboration with Southend Museums, Excav8 2.0 invited young people to look beyond museum displays, uncover hidden stories and create ambitious new artwork inspired by the collections around them.
Excav8 artist Zak demonstrating his interactive art piece.
Together, the group discovered how everyday objects can reveal the lives of the people who once owned them, explored the fascinating Nubia exhibition and learned how countries worked together to save the Temple of Abu Simbel from the rising waters of the Aswan Dam. They investigated patterns and fashion through Dressed for Business, climbed the geological timeline at Beecroft Gallery, toured the museum's new Collections Centre and even discovered the story of the turtle that washed ashore in Southend.
Tactile sculptures by Excav8 Artists of archaeology handling objects.
Along the way, participants met with museum curators and conservators, gaining a unique behind-the-scenes insight into how collections are cared for, preserved and interpreted for future generations. These experiences encouraged the group to think differently about museums; not simply as places to visit, but as spaces full of stories waiting to be discovered and reimagined.
Creativity and technology went hand in hand throughout the project. Participants experimented with BBC micro:bits and Raspberry Pi computers, built their own interactive technologies, explored recycled and conservation materials, and learned how museums protect and display precious objects with care.
One of the highlights of the project was an unforgettable morning in Southend Planetarium. After creating illuminated sculptures, the group returned to exhibit them beneath the simulated night sky: becoming the first artists ever to display light sculptures inside the Planetarium. It was a magical moment that perfectly reflected the project's spirit of curiosity, experimentation and creative ambition.
Throughout the programme, each young person also worked towards their Bronze Arts Award, documenting their creative journey, reflecting on their learning, exploring the work of artists and building a portfolio that celebrated their achievements. Completing the award recognised not only their artistic development but also their commitment, creativity and growing confidence.
Excav8 has been about far more than creating artwork. It has provided a welcoming space where home-educated young people could meet others with shared interests, develop new skills, express themselves creatively and discover that museums belong to them too. Watching their confidence grow week by week, seeing friendships develop and witnessing the pride they took in their work has been incredibly rewarding.
“Thank you for providing a space for young people to gather and be creative.”
Family and friends visiting the Excav8 exhibition at Beecroft Gallery
A huge thank you goes to our inspirational creative team—lead artist Laura Trevail, supporting artist Jay Durkin and access artist Avril Hockett—whose passion, encouragement and expertise made the project such a special experience. We would also like to thank Francesca Marsland, together with all the staff and volunteers at Southend Museums, for so generously sharing their knowledge, collections and enthusiasm throughout the programme.
Excav8 is a free-to-access project for home-educated young people, developed by Elevator Arts in collaboration with Southend Museums. The project is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
At Elevator Arts, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to explore their creativity, build confidence and feel a sense of belonging. Excav8 2.0 has shown what can happen when young people are trusted to experiment, ask questions, take creative risks and see themselves as artists.
And if there was one thing this remarkable group taught us, it's this:
They are artists, not just children.
Photos credit: Clarissa Debenham/ Film Free Photography
