The RHS has been working with the Socially Engaged Photography Network to encourage and upskill communities in creative storytelling. This took place through regional projects that followed the stories of local groups throughout the growing year and their experiences, motivations and activities.
Throughout 2023, photographer Gwen Riley Jones was commissioned by RHS and Open Eye Gallery to work with 3 community gardening groups, Q Gardens, Strand Community Hub and Petrus Incredible Edibles Rochdale (PIER) in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, to co-create a series of photographs which told their gardening and growing story.
Meanwhile in Glasgow, Scotland, photographers Saskia Coulson and Colin Tennant were commissioned by RHS and Street Level Photoworks to collaborate on a photography project with the Cranhill Community Development Trust, to document the story of the gardening and cooking initiatives on their site.
Both projects were showcased as part of our LOOK Climate Lab 2024. Both projects were part of our national initiative, the Socially Engaged Photography Network (SEPN), which is a network we set up in 2018 to accelerate the discussion and profile of socially engaged photography practice in the UK.
We hope you enjoy the work produced, which includes a series of zines, photographic resources and videos. We hope it can inspire you to document your own gardening stories!
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