Call Out Deadline: 19 October
Contact: amaynephoto404@gmail.com
Bodies of Truth is a call out for for trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse people to take part in a portrait photography project exploring identity, visibility, and self-expression, by photographer AJ. Through relaxed portrait sessions and optional conversations, the project aims to celebrate trans joy and create space for honest, authentic representation. No modelling experience is needed, just a willingness to take part. Participants will receive copies of their portraits and be featured in a public exhibition celebrating the diverse experiences and stories within our community. If you’re interested, please contact AJ at amaynephoto404@gmail.com before 19 October 2026.
AJ is a photographer and creative storyteller whose work explores identity, emotion, and human connection through honest visual storytelling. Their approach to photography is people-first, creating work that feels authentic, thoughtful, and emotionally honest, with a particular interest in the stories people carry through lived experience.
AJ said: “I’m really excited and honoured to be creating Bodies of Truth through the Transformations commission, a piece exploring the stories, truths, and lived experiences our bodies carry, and how identity, memory, and personal experience shape the way we exist in the world.”
This call out is part of Transformations – a project led by Felix Mufti in partnership with 20 Stories High, celebrating and supporting Merseyside-based transgender artists across disciplines at any stage of their career. 20 Stories High are working with 6 partner organisations to offer bursaries for transgender artists to create a new piece of work on any subject, alongside tailored mentoring and year-round support. The commissioned work will be shared throughout the year, culminating in a public showcase, planned for November 2026.
20 Stories High are developing a network of transgender artists across Merseyside to strengthen connections within the local trans creative community and build a more supportive infrastructure. The network will provide an accessible way to share information about different creatives, their practices and the range of talent in the region, and will be shared with arts organisations and venues to help increase visibility and create new opportunities. To be added to the Transgender Artist Network, please complete the form.
As part of Transformations, Open Eye Gallery is also supporting photographer Christine Bekket. Christine has been photographing since 1974. Her style has been described as raw and natural. Christine’s work has been exhibited on a number of occasions, collaborating with Open Eye Gallery, St Helens Arts & Libraries, Chester University and Chester Pride. She has self-published three books over the last four years. Christine’s project is about recording the transition of St Helens. Her project aims to illustrate the issues caused by these transitions and their visible impact on the fabric of the town, and to hopefully follow that up with short talks and exhibitions of the artistic process and philosophy she followed. The thing that excites her about the overall Transformation project is that it will shine a light on the role played by trans artists in Merseyside. She also see’s it as a great starting point for future collaborations with other trans artists in Merseyside.
This project is in collaboration with Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse, Open Eye Gallery, DaDa, Protect Scouse Dolls, Future Yard and Studio Lab at FACT.