Art collective · Tottenham, London · Since 2017
We capture stories and experiences through immersive art. Powerful, thought-provoking exhibitions, animation and illustration from communities that are widely underrepresented and often go unheard.
Who is Reality Art?
We are you, we are the past, the future, the present.
We are the life you live, in fact we live the life you live.
We walk the same walk, we talk the same talk.
We wear the same shoes, we wear the same clothes.
We are the reality. We are your reality. We are you.
We believe that actions speak louder than words. Instead of simply talking about social and systemic issues, we take the audience on a journey through the eyes of people that society has forgotten about, and show the sides of the story you often don't get to see.
Reality Art was established in 2017 to give a voice to unrepresented communities and highlight the injustices that they face. We are led by four directors and rooted in lived experience in Tottenham and Northumberland Park. We manage every stage of a project, from research and concept to design and exhibition. Through our work we provide insight for policymakers and practitioners on how to work with young people and address the inequalities and challenges they face.
Selected work
AnimationSeveral true stories told as one: a young mother's journey through addiction, prison and recovery, and getting her children back.
AnimationTwo young people with similar stories received different support. This film follows what that difference meant.
AnimationMarking ten years of Highbury youth court community advice, and how hard youth court can be to navigate alone.
AnimationOur own project exploring young people's experience in custody cells.
AnimationAn animated film on young people's experience of stop and search.
AnimationDiversion explained in plain language: an alternative to court for young people in the criminal justice system.
Immersive exhibitionA young person's journey through home, school, broken dreams, life on road, the media and the criminal justice system.
InstallationAn immersive installation at BMA House bringing to life young people's experience of youth court, and how it feels.
Report artworkCover artwork for the final report on the detention and questioning of child suspects.
Illustrated guideAn illustrated brochure explaining to young people what out of court resolutions are and how they can help.
ExhibitionYoung people's experiences of navigating the magistrates' court.
A dynamic exhibition about young Black men's mental health.
InterviewAn online interview launching Reality Art's Ambassador role with the Centre for Justice Innovation.
RadioReality Art speak about their organisation on The Late Show.
Flagship exhibition · Soho, London · 2017
Welcome to our exhibition, which takes you on a journey of young people's lives. The pain, the suffering, the scars, the hurdles and the struggles young people go through and overcome. This exhibition has been created and put together by the young people.
Opened in Soho, London in September 2017 to more than 600 visitors, then shown to 500 international delegates at the International Mental Health Leaders Conference in Stockholm in 2018. Walk through it room by room.
Walk-through film
A walk through every room of Journey Through the Shadows in Soho, London.
Work with us
We work with you on your story and develop it into an immersive exhibition, film or illustrated guide. Bring your own story, or we research and develop it with you.
For charities, courts, councils, universities and funders.
Hire the full exhibition, or choose the stages or exhibits that fit your event. Our team gives guided walk-throughs.
Perfect for schools, policy, youth work, mental health and criminal justice events.
Artwork that responds to the theme of your conference or event, including digital art for online talks and webinars.
Tell us what you're working on. We'll come back to you with ideas, timings and costs.
Start an enquiryIt has been an absolute pleasure working with Reality Art. They are incredibly talented and passionate about being a voice for the unheard and underrepresented and it shows in every aspect of their work. We were able to give them complete control over the concept and delivery and we were very happy with the end result.
Centre for Justice Innovation
Loved working with the team at Reality Art to create a dynamic exhibition about young Black men's mental health. Their ability to communicate powerful home truths through art makes them truly engaging storytellers.
Centre for Mental Health
Who we've worked with
Get in touch
If you have a story you would like to share, please get in touch. If any of your personal experiences are similar to the ones told here, we'd like to hear from you.
info@reality-art.co.uk