Thanks to residents in South East Northumberland, we are very proud to share with you a unique collection of photographs reflecting lives during lockdown.
As lockdown eased in spring 2021, and the days got lighter, we invited local communities to take part in a 14 day, online Easter photography challenge, working with professional photographer, Lindsay Duncanson.
Image: It's a Small World by Felicity Armstrong
We were with overwhelmed by the support, and we were inundated with entries – receiving an amazing 1,060 photographs!
We asked those who took part to help us form a committee and select the photographs which best reflected life in lockdown.
And here they are…
As the Days Get Lighter is an arts project designed to create a collection of photographs and craft pieces, reflecting life in South East Northumberland during lockdown.
Commissioned by Museums Northumberland bait, with funding from Arts Council England, and delivered in partnership with CELL Big Local, this project built upon the work already happening within local communities during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The photography and craft project, reflecting the transition from winter to spring and the symbolic potential of light, was designed to involve people within South East Northumberland who experienced isolation as a result of Covid-19.
It was supported by professional artists who worked with local communities to create, share and discuss their creative outputs.
The project aim was to increase feelings of belonging, social connections and wellbeing.
The response to the project exceeded expectations. The photography element involved 146 people who submitted 1,060 photographs – a selection of which are in this publication. In the first six weeks of the project, it reached over 10,500 people across social media channels and we’re celebrating the creative outputs at the end of May 2021 – with the aim of reaching a further 35,000 residents within South East Northumberland.
To complement this, visual arts packs were available to people without internet or digital equipment, so they could take part. Working with partners, we distributed 90 packs to 30 people, who created wonderful items to gift to others.
This project’s success was thanks to the support of volunteers and residents in South East Northumberland. We would like to extend our special thanks to Resident Support Ellington, Lynemouth, Linton and Cresswell organisers, As the Days Get Lighter committee members, and As the Days Get Lighter team, including artists Lindsay Duncanson and Tommy Anderson.
Museums Northumberland bait works in partnership to support more people in South East Northumberland to create and take part in inspiring and high-quality arts experiences. All projects aim to build a stronger future with the people who live here.
For more information visit:
Website baittime.to
Facebook Museums Northumberland bait | Facebook
Twitter @baittime_to
