The ‘Photo Here’ project sees established groups, including refugees and asylum seekers, members of the LGBTQI+ community and D/deaf and BSL users, tell their stories and the stories of the areas they live in with the help of professional ‘socially engaged photographers in residence’.
Photographers and community group members have been working alongside Open Eye Gallery, who were commissioned by the Combined Authority to deliver the project, in workshops to create unique snapshots of their lives and communities.
The summer exhibitions of their work are now underway.
Exhibition: ‘Not All Who Wander Are Lost’ by Stephanie Wynne and Crosby Camera Club
Venue: Crosby Library
Dates: 12 June – 24 July
Discovering the feel of Sefton – the streets, fields, green spaces, coast and places where day to day life takes place – and responding through photography to locations across the length and breadth of the borough that are familiar and less familiar.
Exhibition: ‘Waiting Rooms’ by Abdullrhman Hassona and Cafe Laziz
Venue: World of Glass
Dates: 14 June – 26 July
Showing the diverse culture of St Helens through portraits of people with different immigration and residence statuses. Each image is an introduction to a resident of St Helens and the stories that make a town feel rich with history and experience.
Exhibition: ‘Communities of Welcome’ by Anoosh Ariamehr and the Communities of Welcome community group
Venue: Kirkby Gallery and Knowsley Flower Show
Dates: 19 June – 29 August
Each person brings their own unique history and experiences to a place. This exhibition tells personal stories of connection, identity and place. When these stories are shared, they help us build stronger, more cohesive communities.
Exhibition: ‘I’ll Tell You Later’ by Emma Case and Happy Snappers
Venue: Williamson Art Gallery and Museum
Dates: 16 July – 25 October
‘I’ll Tell You Later’ explores the relationship between the Deaf experience and the hearing world. It sheds light on the barriers D/deaf individuals face, while showing the ‘Happy Snappers’ as a powerful example of how inclusive, supportive communities can break down these obstacles.
Exhibition: Title TBC by Anna Wijnhoven and VPET (Victoria Park Environmental Trust) volunteers
Venue: Victoria Park Butterfly House and Garden
Dates: Opening between 4–10 August – watch this space…
Exhibition: ‘Residents’ by Ming de Nasty and Homotopia
Venue: MerseyRail Locations and Photography Stands in Open Eye Gallery Atrium
Dates: Opening in November with Homotopia
LGBTQIA+ people have long gathered in the city centre for safety, community, and self-expression. Residents aims to honour that culture by making their presence visible via public artworks.
