Together Through the Lens is a new project bringing people together through photography and personal storytelling.
People from across Westmorland and Furness are being invited to capture images of their daily lives and share the stories behind them, contributing to a collective portrait of our communities. The project is open to people of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels.
Together Through the Lens is a partnership between Westmorland and Furness Council, voluntary organisations, libraries, schools, cultural institutions, faith groups and local creatives, working together to ensure broad participation and meaningful representation. Funding has come from the Westmorland and Furness Community Safey Partnership.
Through photographs and personal stories, residents will help create a shared visual record of local life, providing opportunities to connect, learn about one another and celebrate the things that bring communities together.
A website has now gone live where people can learn more about the project. From 1st October to 1st November, the website will be the place where people can upload images and the stories that go with them.
Once all the contributions have been made, a series of exhibitions will be held across Westmorland and Furness to showcase contributions from communities across the area. There will also be an online gallery.
Councillor Judith Derbyshire, the Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said the project will celebrate local life. “Everyone has a story worth sharing, and everyone’s story is unique to them. This is not just something for people who consider themselves to be artistic – most of us carry a camera every day, and it’s the “everyday” aspects of life this project aims to capture. I hope many people will be inspired to contribute a snapshot of their life, to showcase the rich tapestry of lives across our wonderful area.”
Meanwhile Councillor Helen Chaffey, the Cabinet Member for Communities, is also supporting Together Through the Lens. “I cannot wait to see the images and the stories behind them, when the exhibitions start touring Westmorland and Furness. These exhibitions will be a great place to share more stories, meet others, and celebrate local life.”
The organisers are keen to receive photos and stories from a wide range of people in Westmorland and Furness.
The website is now live and will be open for submissions from 1st October.