PLATFORM ISSUE 3: HOPE

At the beginning of the first lockdown in March 2020, PLATFORM was handed over to a new team. The original publication displayed the creative talents of the Open Eye Gallery volunteers. We wanted to continue this vision whilst addressing the unusual times we found ourselves in. In such creatively challenging times, how could we not focus on the wonderful art produced?

Our aim for the previous issue of PLATFORM, titled ‘The New Normal’, was to distil a challenging yet inventive time in history, whilst foregrounding the talents of our volunteers who still managed to create during the lockdown. At a time when the world was in flux, deciding to focus on the idea of ‘normality’ was a chance to make sense of a seemingly senseless world.

Now, with another lockdown underway, the ‘new normal’ has lasted far longer than anticipated. Whilst the world around us partially carries on – shops are still open, key workers still power on – those at home have adjusted to the familiar reality of a collective lockdown. Surely, we have always worn masks in large crowds? Was there a time we didn’t stand in a socially-distanced queue? We can’t quite remember…

Though sometimes it feels disheartening, as if this reality is the only reality, it will not last. For this reason, there is hope. Hope in the everyday. Hope in those carrying on, adjusting, creating. We have even found gratitude in every day: who we love, whom we admire, what we hold dear to us.

So, this edition of PLATFORM focuses on the theme of ‘Hope.’ As you read on, if you feel like listening to music, take a look at our ‘PLATFORM Hope’ playlist. You can find this here or by searching the playlist name on Spotify. We encourage you to think about what brings you hope in these times. Who knows, maybe we’ll even put a smile on your face – if we’re lucky.