A new photography exhibition launches at The Burton at Bideford with work created by individuals supported by The Pickwell Foundation.
‘A Roof and A Sky’ is an exhibition of work made by five refugees, under the guidance of socially-engaged photographer Jamie Dormer-Durling. The participants have attended 10 workshops at The Burton, where they have learned various image making skills, including alternative processes such as creating lumen prints alongside learning how to use digital cameras.
The Pickwell Foundation supports both people and planet, empowering communities to welcome resettled families, supporting those seeking asylum, and championing climate action.
This project has allowed the group to share their story with images, where words are sometimes difficult when there is a language barrier. The photographs in the exhibition are a peek into their domestic lives and the new landscapes they find themselves in. The group said the project “has helped us notice small details and to grow more confident in expressing ourselves.”
The title of the exhibition, ‘A Roof and A Sky’, reflects what the group hope for in their lives. A roof to give them safety, protection and the security of a sanctuary, and the sky which represents freedom and hope – the space to grow.
Carole Evans, Learning and Engagement Manager at The Burton at Bideford said:
“It has been brilliant to watch the participants grow in confidence over the last few weeks; through photography but also in telling their story. They have created work which shares their own perspective of North Devon; a place they now call home.”
‘A Roof and A Sky’ is part of The Burton at Bideford’s social practice work which develops collaborative and participatory projects with their local community.
It was facilitated by Jamie Dormer-Durling, a socially-engaged photographer based in Weston-super-Mare. He is a founder/director of Common Waves CIC, a community arts organisation supporting underrepresented people to build creative confidence and share stories, based at The Common Room, a community art space that he co-founded. Jamie is also the creative director of Photo Weston, a photography festival bringing international artists to the region, and a board member and regular collaborator with IC Visual Lab.
The project is run in partnership with The Pickwell Foundation and funding from The Foyle Foundation.
‘A Roof and A Sky’ runs from 5th March – 17th May at The Burton at Bideford, Kingsley Road, Bideford EX39 2QQ. Free entry.
For more details see www.theburton.org.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday 10am–5pm
Sunday 11am–4pm
Free entry
