An exhibition exploring the lockdown experiences of some of County Durham’s most vulnerable residents has gone on display at Gala Durham’s Gala Gallery.
Home Time tells the story of life under lockdown through the eyes of care home residents, those who had to shield and isolated members of the county’s communities.
The free exhibition is produced by Wideyed, a not-for-profit photography collective based in the region, and funded by the County Durham Community Foundation. Wideyed’s members have won awards and taken part in numerous photography festivals worldwide.
It saw 27 new photographers recruited from across the county to share their stories, with each participant receiving photography mentoring to tell their story of lockdown.
Portraits of key workers and care workers, who helped support the participants, complement the story, offering a poignant insight into the lives of vulnerable residents.
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “Although lockdown was challenging for us all, it was particularly isolating for our most vulnerable residents. Seeing their stories on display is very moving and offers us all a greater understanding of those experiences.
“As we bid to become UK City of Culture 2025, we want to ensure that the voices of all our communities are heard. With people at the heart of our plans for Durham 2025, exhibitions such as Home Time offer a wonderful opportunity to bring people together and allow them to take part in cultural activities.”
The exhibition is on display at the Gala Gallery from 10am to 8.30pm every day, until Thursday 31 March 2022. For more information, visit www.galadurham.co.uk/gala-gallery/
More information on Wideyed can be found at www.wideyed.org
