Photographer's interactive exhibit set for grand unveiling
One of Plinkfizz’s favourite photographers launches an inspiring photographic exhibition tomorrow, Nov 23rd, at the former Spode factory.
The photojournalism lecturer is set to unveil his latest interactive collection based on the faiths and beliefs of the Stoke-on-Trent community.
Photographer Martin Elliott has worked with Staffordshire University Equality and Diversity officer Hifsa Iqbal to pull together the Faith in The Potteries exhibition which takes a through-the-lens look at 21st century beliefs.
For Martin, it is a follow up to his ‘Portraits of The Potteries’ exhibition which was displayed at the Potteries Museum to mark the centenary of the federation of the Six Towns of Stoke-on-Trent.
“It is something I’ve always longed to do and after the success of the first exhibit I wanted to delve deeper into the community. One hundred years ago Christianity would have been the predominant belief, if not the only belief in Stoke-on-Trent, but now it’s richly diverse and this transformation should be documented for future generations.”
The former Sentinel picture editor, from Blythe Bridge, will display his exhibition which includes photographs of many beliefs from Hindu and Islam to Wiccan and Jedi at the old Spode factory in Stoke from November 23 through until Christmas.
Supported by the University Quarter (UniQ), the Arts Council England and Stoke-on-Trent City Council, the exhibition will invite visitors to record video messages about their beliefs and will act as a permanent feature of the exhibition.
Pupils from local primary schools have been encouraged to take part in the exhibition to give their personal vision of faith in Stoke-on-Trent.
Martin added: “Children are very insightful in the simple way they look at life. By giving them cameras to take pictures of themselves, their families and their religion, they can provide that insight that adults might miss.”
Hifsa Iqbal, Equality & Diversity Officer for Staffordshire University has been overwhelmed by the response from schools wishing to get involved.
Hifsa said: “The schools have been inspired by the partnership with Staffordshire University as they see the exhibition as the perfect opportunity for their young students to get directly involved in a University project.
“For some of these children, they come from families who have never been to University so this collaboration could spark future aspirations to progress into Higher Education.”
