I Am More: Uttlesford Foodbank art exhibit challenges stigma and prejudice around hardship

A new community art exhibit has been created by a team at Uttlesford Foodbank to challenge the stigma and prejudice felt by those experiencing hardship.

TouchPoint Stansted in Crafton Green, Stansted, a base for the food bank, hosted the launch of ‘I Am More’.

Des Ashton, the project lead, said: “I Am More is a community art project created by our community, for the community. It shows there’s another side to every story.”

The exhibit features 10 labels and 10 stories depicting different stories.

Katy Mendes-Day, director of Uttlesford Foodbank, explained: “Hardship can happen to anyone. The individuals and families we support are from all walks of life. I Am More invites compassion and greater understanding for how people’s circumstances can change.”

The launch was attended by representatives of almost 50 community organisations across Uttlesford, including Mind in West Essex, Openroad, Buffy Bus, Essex Libraries, English Heritage and Uttlesford District Council (UDC), as well as close partners of the food bank.

Stansted Parish Council chair Maureen Caton, who attended, said: “I Am More illustrated the emotional impact of our prejudice and how individuals grappled with the stigma and labels we are so ready to apply to others when they have hit their lowest point.

“The insight into individual stories of resilience and self-determination made those individuals the victors and us the victims of our prejudice. This was awareness raising at its best.”

I Am More will be on display in Saffron Walden Library from Monday March 3 to Friday March 14. Thereafter it will be on loan to schools, churches and community groups across the district.