UNLOCKED YOUTH PHOTO COLLECTIVE Summer Residency 2021
During the Summer of 2021, as part of Fotonow’s Unlocked Youth programme, we developed a six-week creative photography and media residency. Based at our creative spaces at Ocean Studios a group of young people worked in depth with Jess Duffy (producer) and Josh Greet (photographer).
Using photography and digital media to record their trips in and around the city over the Summer, the group were focused on expressing what they valued about Plymouth and what they would like to change. The creative outcomes, shared in this book, explore the way in which these young people see their city.
This collection of photos were taken by young people who came to Unlocked thanks to Youth Parliament, Barnardos and Fotonow’s climate focused Take Action Group.
Unlocked is a two-year action-research project made possible with a grant from Paul Hamlyn Foundation.
We supported young people in leading their own project, helping them construct photographs of scenes based on their experiences, interests and inspirations, using Plymouth as a backdrop to celebrate the stories that are unique to them. To showcase their chosen narratives we utlised a mixture of staged, documentary and found / still-life photography.
During the 8-week residency we engaged with young people from Plymouth, to explore their creative potental and inspire a positive outlook about where they live. Through the medium(s) of photography and printed media we took a journey through their experiences of growing up in the city - leaving them; more engaged with the creative community, more knowledgeable about cultural opportunities and feeling more confident about their futures.
BARNARDOS
TAKE ACTION GROUP
YOUTH PARLIAMENT
A word from Jess and Josh: “Working with such talented and enthusiastic young people made the whole experience a joy. Their shrewd observations and varied opinions about their lives, the city and the world at large left a lasting impression on both of us. We learned a lot from each other!
We feel privileged to have shared the experience with them and to have been able to help facilitate a space where they could build their confidence and share freely.” With thanks to Jess and Josh for facilitating the sessions, Angelika for assisting and of course to our young people; Ameleah, Sam, Romana, Scarlet, Sienna, Layla, Millie, Courtney, Dorothy and Carmen for the consistency and energy they have brought to each and every project they have worked on with Unlocked Fotonow Youth this year. 2021 © Fotonow CIC / Unlocked Youth
youth@fotonow.org www.fotonow.org