More than 100 people gathered at Darkroom Espresso last week for an event which combined a photo exhibition and awards ceremony for 15 artistic youngsters.

Teenagers from Revolution Performing Arts worked with an acclaimed photographer Elmar Rubio and Create Studios to explore acceptance, expression and empowerment through photography.

Their works will be touring throughout Swindon in 2018.

Bella Brown, aged 15, said "It’s about acceptance and anti-prejudice because it's all about what's beyond the first impression."

Jenny Warner, mum to 14-year-old Callie, said "It's a nice way to end the term.

“They are really nice photos and it was so nice to receive their arts awards and it's a different venue for them to chat in.

“Fiona gives them a chance to do some many different things!"

Shahina Johnson artistic director of Create Studios, said: "Young people have always been at the heart of Create’s mission to use digital arts as a tool to bring people together and grow aspiration in our participants and audiences.

"The collaboration with the young people at Revolution Performing Arts has been fantastic, with them producing beautiful and powerful self portraits which will connect with others too."

As part of the evening, 15 of the young people involved were also presented with their Bronze Arts Awards, in association with Prime Theatre, for their work creating the RPA Rapport anti bullying film Hope.

The film can be seen on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvyGnqSoYPY.

Fiona Da Silva-Adams, Founder of Revolution Performing Arts said: "RPA Rapport worked on multi-genre experiences which they then consolidated their artistic creations into film.

“Create Studios agreed to work with RPA and the young people were chosen from individual need and artistic desire.

“They chose anti bullying as a theme and to consider how it can be further emphasised through film.

“Working in front of and behind the camera, Create showed Rapport how to use digital media within a performance project from their own ideas.

"Media professionals experienced in mentoring young people explored how film can be used to complement and convey a story whilst also being expressed through street and contemporary dance, theatre, singing and rap, drawing these together into a multi-media performance to convey their own feelings as well as helping others."

Revolution Performing Arts was created in 2007 to provide affordable access to performing arts to all young people.

For more information, visit www.revolutionpa.co.uk or ring Fiona on 07799 691328 or 01793 751399.