Open Eye Gallery is working in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council, Chester Pride and photographic artist Suzanne St.Clare to deliver a socially engaged photography residency with the LGBTQ+ community in and around Chester.


This project is part of the ‘High Streets Heritage Action Zones Programme’, which is a nationwide initiative designed to secure lasting improvements to our historic high streets making them a more attractive, engaging and vibrant place for people to live, work and spend time. A Cultural Programme is being developed to take place on each of the high streets, alongside the core programme. The priority for this programme will be to work with communities and celebrate what is unique about each place.


It will run over a four year period between 2020 and 2024, starting with an initial pilot cultural programme specifically exploring the theme of ‘Reclaiming the City’. This theme will be explored collaboratively with local LGBTQ+ communities, homeless communities, local residents and local artists in a series of 3 artist commissions.


We are now looking to recruit an apprentice photographer from the local LGBTQ+ community to work alongside lead artist Suzanne St.Clare on this project. As supporting photographic artist you will:


● Support and work closely with Suzanne St.Clare to develop relationships with key community ambassadors from the LGBTQ+ community to develop visual narratives that are meaningful to them.
● Receive training and development opportunities for your practice with Open Eye Gallery and will be mentored by Suzanne St.Clare to develop your socially engaged approach to practice.
● Support the practical delivery of online and socially distanced planning sessions and practical photography sessions with recruited community ambassadors
● Support the co-production and showcasing of a series of physical works for exhibition within the public realm (e.g pop up spaces and shopping unit windows) in Chester, and accompanying works for digital or online /social media display.
● Adhere to all safeguarding, social distancing and ethical policies associated with the programme, supported by Open Eye Gallery and Chester Pride.

Apprentice photographer fee: £1000


Deadline for submission of interest 10am, 7th January 2021. Please submit a couple of paragraphs as to why you are interested in the opportunity and up to 10 images of your previous/ current work. Please send to artswest@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk



Download the full description below. 

Open Eye Gallery has a long established volunteer programme with a growing community focus. We are keen to encourage individuals from any cultural or educational background to apply we hope we can offer broad development opportunities.

  Retail

• Use of Point of Sale Systems
• Visual Merchandising
• Customer service

  Transferable skills

• Interpersonal development
• Public Speaking
• Leadership abilities
• Creative thinking
• Problem solving
• Research methodologies
• Organisation skills

Volunteers are an important and valued part of the Open Eye Gallery. Without volunteers Open Eye Gallery would not be able to offer high quality exhibitions and events to the public for free.  We want to ensure that volunteering at Open Eye Gallery helps you to achieve your goals, whatever they may be, and most of all that you enjoy the experience and feel like part of the team.

Open Eye Gallery provides free access to high quality, innovative and thought-provoking contemporary art from around the world. Gallery volunteers are a part of this creative environment and work amongst a team of engaging, committed and creative individuals. Volunteers play a key role in the day to day running of the Gallery, ensuring it is a welcoming and friendly place. Food and travel will be reimbursed up to £7.50 per day. Please download the following documents to apply and send completed applications to natalie@openeye.org.uk

We are inviting independent retailers, designers, illustrators and makers to submit pop-up shop proposals for our small, but perfectly formed gallery gift shop. We support local and regional artists/makers/creative entrepreneurs by offering a platform for promotion and sales. We are looking for design conscious products to sell in our shop: books, stationary, homewear, gifts and everything in between! Your merchandise should sit well alongside our contemporary publications, cameras and photography accessories. Please submit your proposals with a link to your website and images of your products together with pricing information to info@openeye.org.uk