A HOLOCAUST Memorial event marked the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz was held at Art Central last week.

The event, held on the evening prior to Holocaust memorial Day, was hosted by the Mayor of the Vale of Glamorgan Howard Hamilton and also launched the "Keep the Memory Alive" exhibition being held at the Barry gallery.

The exhibition links the past with the present day. Working with more than 250 year five and six children from Vale schools, conflict and war artist Nicola Tucker - together with the Council’s Arts Development Team - delivered workshops focusing on the history of the Second World War, and the impact it had on the children of Terezin, a walled ghetto on the outskirts of Prague.

The creative arts workshops covered a number of curricular subjects and looked at how Europe was treated during the Second World War and how this could be translated into bullying in the school playground today. During his speech the Mayor Howard Hamilton said: “The workshops have had a significant impact on the young people, some of whom commented on their own personal experiences which enabled them to understand, explore and accept each other’s differences.

“This moving and thought provoking exhibition enables us to remember the past and consider the part we can play in challenging hatred and bullying to create a safer and better future for us all.”

Alongside the work by primary school children is art work and poetry created during the Second World War by the children of Terezin, courtesy of the Jewish Museum in Prague.

One of the poems, "I haven’t seen a butterfly around here" inspired the installation of white butterflies hanging from the walls and ceilings of the gallery.

Visitors to the gallery can contribute to the exhibition by leaving a personal note on a small white butterfly.

Councillor Gwyn John, Cabinet Member for Arts and Culture, said: “The 2015 Holocaust Memorial exhibition honours the purity and innocence of children, their lives, dreams and the importance of hope for the future.

"I hope we can take away our thoughts and dreams from this evening and apply them to our own lives to make a difference to ours and others futures.”

The exhibition can be visited Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm daily and will be open until 4pm on Saturday, February 21.

For more information visit www.valeofglamorgn.gov.uk/arts or contact the arts development team on 01446 700111.