This event has ended
Alternative Lens is a partnership project between Open Eye Gallery and Novus. The purpose is to build socially engaged processes of creative practice within the HMP setting, positively fostering creative learning for all involved, and explore to what extent the accessibility of photography can transcend barriers to creativity. Alternative Lens creates an opportunity for two-way learning between cultural organisations and external freelance artists with in-house staff within HMP settings.
The work produced in this project will be showcased publicly, and will contribute to reducing stigma of those in and affected by the criminal justice sector and changing wider public perceptions. Alternative Lens will connect to family members of learners, opening up opportunities for future family focused groups at Open Eye Gallery.
Open Eye Gallery are delighted to announce that partner Novus has successfully been awarded funding from Arts Council England Project Grants for the collaborative project Alternative Lens. The additional funding gives us the opportunity to build upon our successful pilot project with artist in residence Hafsah Naib, and the opportunity to recruit a new artist in residence for a project with learners at another prison setting. Combining the skills of socially engaged photographers with the life experiences of both learners within prison settings and their families, the programme will explore how photography and creativity can be used as a tool for self-expression, to enhance family relationships, as well as learning new skills to aid rehabilitation.
Drawing on Novus and Open Eye Gallery’s experience working on socially engaged art projects, new methods of using photography with and for the prison setting will be embedded into a new co-authored model. The twelve month project will culminate in a public showcase to share the work and experiences of the participants, and to spark conversation, breaking down perceptions of those currently in prison settings.
To apply for the Photographer in Residence position, please click here for a full description.
About Novus
Novus has over 25 years’ experience in delivering education, rehabilitation support and employment opportunities to over 60,000 adults and young people in over 50 prisons, young offender institutions and secure settings across England and Wales.
We work in partnership with the Ministry of Justice, Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), Youth Custody Service (YCS), G4S, MTC, National, devolved and local governments, charities, Local Enterprise Partnerships and employers to raise aspirations and create the foundations for change both for individuals and for our communities.
Novus is part of the LTE Group, a UK social enterprise dedicated to improving lives and economic success through learning and skills. We fulfil our Group’s social mission by providing learning, skills and opportunity that offenders need to build positive futures for themselves, their families, and our communities.
Find out more at: www.novus.ac.uk
Open:
10am – 5pm, Tue – Sun
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