Birthing a Better Future Art & Science Exhibition – 11th November 2017 to 6th January 2018
BRIGHTON FRINGE FESTIVAL LAUNCHES GLOBAL EXPO
Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital is the starting point for a global exhibition, Birthing a Better Future hosted by Zero2 Expo, which aims to highlight the need to nurture children from conception until the age of 2.
Many experts from the world of science and art will converge for the event which is designed to bring together a wide range of opinions, expressed in different ways.
The concept of the need to protect and promote healthy young life has been well documented thanks to the cross party Government initiative – 1001 Critical Days Manifesto – which has identified that these early times in a child’s life as critical and highly formative, so we must respect and nurture them.
The Zero2 Expo brings together art and science – as well as debate – within a tour of exhibitions which will start with an introduction at the Corridor Gallery at the hospital from 11th November to January 6th 2018.
Oxford will also be the launch pad for global bids, so that cities around the world can request that they host the unique exhibition within their territory.
Zero2 Expo is a charitable organisation aimed at creating a unique and powerful art and science programme around the title: Birthing a Better Future. It has been developed to increase public awareness about the key issues and importance of the first 1001 days of life.
Executive Director, Alex Florschutz, said: ‘We believe this is the biggest Public Health message of our time and is crucial that we spread the word in an accessible way. We are using thought-provoking art and the latest scientific/expert research so we can truly bring about a better society and so a birth a better future for everyone.’
A series of debates are also being planned with significant speakers already committing to discuss the issues surrounding all subjects within the 1001 Days campaign.
The Zero2 Mission: To inspire changes in how we treat the first 1001 days of life to help create a world where every child has the best possible start in life.
Primary Outcome: Increasing general public awareness of the key issues and importance of the 1001 critical days.
“Children are most vulnerable in the first 3 years of life, and the greatest returns will be made by investment in early child development” (WHO (2014) Investing in Children: the European Child Maltreatment Prevention Action Plan 2015-2020, Written Evidence)
Zero2 Expo brings together innovation and initiative in the biggest Public Health message of our time to help create a world where every child has the best possible start in life.
The mission of Zero2Expo is to increase general public awareness of how we treat babies in the first 1001 days of life from conception to age two period through an exhibition of moving and imaginative art images in dialogue with scientific abstracts.
“The impact of the first pilot exhibition in the Houses of Parliament in 2016 was key to getting perinatal mental health as key focus for NHS England and local transformation plans throughout the country. “
Clair Rees, Executive Director, PIP UK
‘Birthing a Better Future’ aligns with the Oxfordshire Public Health priorities for Infant Mental Health exploring protective factors through pregnancy, birth and the early years. Artists have a local connection and all participated in the showcase of international work in the UK Parliament last year.
The Exhibition will run from 11th November 2017 to the 6th January 2018 and will take place at The Corridor Gallery, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, (http://www.ouh.nhs.uk/artlink/exhibitions/corridor-gallery.aspx)
For more information on this exhibition, please contact: Helen Edwards on … Alex Florschutz on 07787 122157 E: alex@zero2expo.com
We would love you to get involved. Please register to keep in touch and find out when the full Zero2 Expo comes to your city. If you would like to invite us to your region please contact us. E: info@zero2expo.com W: www.zero2expo.com
“Children are most vulnerable in the first 3 years of life, and the greatest returns will be made by investment in early child development” WHO (2014) Investing in Children
The World Health Organisation message is very clear. Science now shows us that the first 1001 days of a child’s life, from conception to the age of 2 years old, are critical for healthy brain development and impact on a child’s mental and physical health for their lifetime. This period therefore provides a unique opportunity to improve outcomes for children and have a lasting positive impact on their lives.
There is increasing awareness that too little is being done during this crucial 1001 days to promote child health and development. This has culminated in the 1001 Critical Days Cross-Party Manifesto founded by Andrea Leadsom, Member of Parliament for South Northamptonshire. Bringing together politicians from across the political spectrum to acknowledge the importance of this period of child development, the manifesto sets out a vision for the provision of services in the UK for the early years period. It has support from Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer, Royal Colleges and over 100 leading child and family, health, education and social care organisations from across the UK in recognition for the science behind the policy drive.
“Love and nurture by caring adults is hard wired into the brains of children”
Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer. (2016) The 1001 Critical Days
Inspired by the 1001 Critical Days Manifesto, the Zero2 Expo art and science exhibition has grown out of a pilot exhibition in the House of Commons in 2016 which helped to bring the manifesto to life for MPs, attracted 4,000 visitors including politicians and staff, and was a catalyst for lively debate. It is a synergy of thought provoking art and the latest scientific expert research and opinions which shines a spotlight on the importance of these first 1001 days and has appeal for a wide audience including policy makers, health professionals and parents.
We aim to partner with Public Health departments whilst inspiring the public with important messages to aid prevention and change. We have selected a small group of high profile artists and scientists to introduce Zero2 Expo’s mission in Oxford curated by Helen Edwards. We will be taking our larger outdoor exhibition on tour in 2018 to continue raising national awareness to the public and at all stakeholder levels.
We believe this is the biggest public health message of our time. The Zero2 Expo spreads the word in an accessible way using thought provoking art and the latest scientific/expert research so we can truly ‘Birth a Better Future’. If you would like to find out more or how you can support us in our work, please visit our website: www.zero2expo.com
With Gratitude, Alex Florschutz, MA, Executive Director, Zero2 Expo