The Belonging Project 2026 was a project run by Art Beyond Belief from May-July 2026. The project involved young people sharing their ideas on “belonging” – how we feel we fit in, what are the challenges to belonging, where do we feel we most belong does faith increase our sense of belonging?
The Belonging project was a co-production in partnership with Slough Borough Council’s Strategic Partnerships Team. The project aimed to engage young people in meaningful conversations with the team and other Council members; exploring questions like; What can a Local Authority do to encourage a sense of belonging in its citizens? What are the things that make us uneasy or feel that we don’t belong? The project aimed to give expression to the themes listed above through posters produced on iPads supplied by Art Beyond Belief. A total of 41 Year 9s students participated in the project from Slough and Eton CoE Business and Enterprise College (13 students), St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School (7 students), Grove Academy (11 students) and Wexham High School (10 students).
The project culminated with Belonging Conference which The conference was held on July 9th 2026 at Slough & Eton School. It was attended by students/teachers from all participating schools and adults from partner organisations. The day started at 9:00 am arrival followed by welcome from Peter Collins, Headteacher at Slough and Eton CofE Business and Enterprise College, Graham Barker, The Vice Lord Lieutenant, The Royal County of Berkshire opened the conference stressing the importance of belonging to being confident adults in the world. Councillor Rifaqat Zarait, Mayor of Slough stated that living in a diverse community like Slough brings a rich experience of belonging to the individuals.
Anthony Lewis, Chair of Windsor Humanists shared his experiences as a person from Northern Ireland and difficulties of feeling how you belong in a divided society. The following speaker, Venerable Cassa Messervy, the Archdeacon of Buckingham gave her reflections on students’ work, exploring how some of the selected works reflected the concept of belonging.
The conference then saw students’ Artwork presentations with Emel Soylu at Art Beyond Belief. Students talked about their understanding and interpretation of Belonging through their work. After the presentation, the audience dispersed into different tables for a Round Table Discussion based on the speakers’ insights.
The Discussion was led by Rebecca Curley, Strategic Partnerships Manager Slough Borough Council. Each table had a SBC officer to lead the discussion which was wrapped up by Peter Collins. Discussion continued through a working lunch which was followed by plenary by Sonia Khan, Director of Strategy, Change and Resident Engagement, Slough Borough Council There is interest from existing schools and a new one for another Belonging Project/ Conference next year. The committee will be having meetings soon to discuss how this can be achieved.
Later in August, students’ work is exhibited at an exhibition at the Curve, along with artwork from Art Beyond Belief’s art group Reconnect on “Belonging” and “What is Normal?” The contact for more information or to register interest for the future is: Emel Soylu, emel@art-beyond-belief.com