4 Jan 2013
SOUND IDEAS AN EXCITING NEW 10 WEEK MUSIC AND SPOKEN WORD PROJECT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN AND AROUND MANCHESTER RUN BY ARTISTS AND INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS, EACH 2-HOUR WORKSHOP WILL GIVE YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO WRITE AND PERFORM ORIGINAL MUSIC, LEARN … Read more
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Tweet28 Nov 2012
YOUNG IDENTITY CREATE WRITE PERFORM Are you a poet, MC, singer or writer aged 13-25? Would you like the opportunity to develop your craft and perform your work locally, nationally and internationally? If so Young Identity is for you! We … Read more
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Tweet8 Jun 2011
These poems were written as part of Darwin200 or the ‘Darwin Project’. Darwin200 addressed the impact of Darwin’s ideas about evolution, as well as his approach to the understanding of the natural world. Young Identity poets reflected these issues in … Read more
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Tweet1 Jun 2011
The Secret Garden was a film project delivered in partnership with MediaBox, Manchester Libraries, Contact Theatre and Manchester Youth Service. The project involved 30 young people and engaged them in every aspect of film making(script writing, casting, storyboarding, acting, directing, … Read more
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Tweet23 May 2011
The Saul Williams Experience In 2010, Manchester welcomed Saul Williams when he made a one-off visit to the city as part of the Literature Festival and Black History Month. One of the most outstanding Slam poets of his generation, Saul … Read more
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Tweet4 Jan 2013
SOUND IDEAS AN EXCITING NEW 10 WEEK MUSIC AND SPOKEN WORD PROJECT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN AND AROUND MANCHESTER RUN BY ARTISTS AND INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS, EACH 2-HOUR WORKSHOP WILL GIVE YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO WRITE AND PERFORM ORIGINAL MUSIC, LEARN … Read more
No Comments
Tweet28 Nov 2012
YOUNG IDENTITY CREATE WRITE PERFORM Are you a poet, MC, singer or writer aged 13-25? Would you like the opportunity to develop your craft and perform your work locally, nationally and internationally? If so Young Identity is for you! We … Read more
No Comments
Tweet1 Jun 2011
The Secret Garden was a film project delivered in partnership with MediaBox, Manchester Libraries, Contact Theatre and Manchester Youth Service. The project involved 30 young people and engaged them in every aspect of film making(script writing, casting, storyboarding, acting, directing, … Read more
No Comments
Tweet23 May 2011
The Saul Williams Experience In 2010, Manchester welcomed Saul Williams when he made a one-off visit to the city as part of the Literature Festival and Black History Month. One of the most outstanding Slam poets of his generation, Saul … Read more
No Comments
Tweet20 May 2011
“There are known knowns; there are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns; that is to say, there are things that we know we don’t know. But there are also unknown unknowns; there are things we do … Read more
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Tweet8 Jun 2011
These poems were written as part of Darwin200 or the ‘Darwin Project’. Darwin200 addressed the impact of Darwin’s ideas about evolution, as well as his approach to the understanding of the natural world. Young Identity poets reflected these issues in … Read more
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Tweet18 May 2011
Listed below is a visual catalogue of some of the performances and achievements these talented members of Young Identity have produced over the years. Human Caterpillar from Pete Powell on Vimeo. Love and Lust by Keisha Thompson Love and Lust … Read more
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TweetYoung Identity Project
Young Identity

Who Are They?
Young Identity is a twenty-six strong group of young writers led by the senior coordinators, Shirley May and Ali Gadema. Formed in Moss Side, Manchester in 2006, the creative project includes poetry, script writing and performances.
Young Identity supports teenagers and young adults by using poetry, prose and performance to expose young people’s issues locally, nationally and internationally. It assists members in writing about subjects that may have a direct impact on their future, giving them a platform from which their voices can be heard.
By engaging its members with the arts, Young Identity promotes inclusion and community. It is aimed at those primarily from disadvantaged areas, encouraging literacy and analysis amongst young people. The project is a powerful voice in improving social awareness and communication skills.
If you have any questions about the group or would like to get involved, Young Identity is contactable by email.
Poetry & Performance
Performance Videos
Darwin Project Poems
Past Activities
Secret Garden 2010 – 2011
Word Cup 2010
The Saul Williams Experience 2010
Don’t Tell Anyone But… 2010
Poetry Slam 2009
Journeys 2009
Evolving Words 2009
Happy To Help 2008