An eye for detail: a Photoclub Success story
Photo Club is one of Newcastle Council’s Arts Connect longest running initiatives. They have been funding it for over 10 years which is a testament to its continuing success.
It is a regular space for families with children and young people with and without additional needs to come together and be creative in a friendly, informal setting. From a base at Newcastle City Library, our families get out and explore the wonderful range of places, both urban and rural, that the North East has to offer. Their work is then celebrated in a public exhibition.
Part of the success of this project is that we plan the club’s schedule according to the interests of the members through regular consultation events.
After our most recent exhibition we asked the families what they enjoy about PhotoClub and they said:
“I like what I learnt, the ideas, the light bulb moments and the constructive criticism to improve”
“It helps work on more social skills with a wider group of people”
“Inspires me in everyday life … [I’m] more involved with community”
Close Up on Azhad
Azhad has been coming to the club for several years now and we talked to him about why he keeps coming back. Azhad told us how much he likes using different software apps and likes to show his images to friends and family as well as his tutors at Gateshead College when applying there; they loved the photos so much, they put them on their social media!
He describes the importance of doing something he can take pride in as well as meeting people and going to new places. Azhad loves developing his digital media skills with us and has really enjoyed the progression to taking and editing video that he’s done in our recent CityLife film project. He would like a job in digital media.
Julie Nicholson, who facilitates the group with resident photographer Robin Cowings, said:
‘Azhad’s enthusiasm for taking photos and video is great to see. He comes along, rain or shine and puts his all into taking and making the best images he can. I especially loved the work he did in lockdown and his filming for the CityLife video. He has a good eye and always does his best. I am sure he would do really well working in the sector.’
How to get involved:
We run sessions 10-12 noon and 1-3 pm on the second Saturday of each month, based at Newcastle City Library. Children and young people aged up to 25 can attend with a family member and the group is supported by a Digital Voice facilitator.
To book or for more info contact julie@digitalvoice.org.uk 01207566866
Find out more about our Photography Exhibition here
