Opportunity for Photographer-in-Residence in Leicester (two years) supported by QUAD/FORMAT

FORMAT and QUAD in association with Historic England and Photoworks are delighted to offer this unique opportunity to work on the long term project, Picturing England’s High Street, photographing the high streets of Leicester.

About the national photographer-in-residence programme

Picturing England’s High Streets is a three-year project which includes six photographer-in-residence programmes based in six high street locations across England, as well as artist mentoring and a digital nationwide mass-participation project.

This Open Call is for the photographer-in-residence programme focused on the
Leicester High Streets Heritage Action Zones.

England’s high streets have a long history and have always been at the heart of our communities. They are our landmarks, points of reference and meeting places. Across centuries people have gathered together on high streets, from market days to turning on the Christmas lights; coffee dates to national jubilees. In a recent survey, 45% of respondents indicated that their primary high street use was non-retail related. (Research undertaken on behalf of the Mayor of London in 2017)

Every high street in England, whether it is in a medieval market town or a post-war city centre, has a unique and distinctive history that creates identity and a sense of place. Despite this, high streets are struggling, and need to adapt to survive. This commission will help people reconnect with their high streets, seeing them as places that can thrive and are of relevance to them and their lives.

The photographer-in-residence programmes are a key part of Picturing England’s High Streets. The photographer-in-residence will work with local communities, individuals and partners to reimagine the high street, producing images which will become part of the Historic England archive.

For more details please follow the direct link.