The inspiration
The delivery of 50,000 acts of kindness has a powerful social resonance. It provides an opportunity to observe, record and exhibit a slice of life in our times as well as demonstrating the power we have as individuals to make a positive impact on the people around us. It is has the potential to become an important piece of social commentary and is the inspiration for this photographic project.
The Vision
Take 50 around different ‘acts of kindness’, each as a unique, individual story and to create a photographic record which will then form the body of a public exhibition.
Each story will be presented as a ‘story board’ consisting of an image or images and supporting text where this aids the context. The images will be presented in a direct and non-judgmental way and will invite the viewer to consider the relevance of kindness and hope within the context of the society in which we live.
Exhibition(s)
The aim is to engage with as many people from as wide a range of backgrounds as possible and should certainly reach those who would not normally visit a photographic gallery. The exhibition will be presented as a complete body of work in Bradford Cathedral and St Peter’s House during Volunteer week (1 – 7 June 2009). It may also be possible to split it up into smaller units to be displayed in public community settings (community centres, schools, libraries, businesses, council offices etc). The Telegraph and Argus are running a series of features based on the work and the BBC have committed time on their Big Screen in the centre of Bradford so the material will be seen by literally thousands of people!
After the Exhibition
David James, Bishop of Bradford, says “In the public mind Bradford is synonymous with Bad News; this is stark contrast with the reality of us who live and work here”. This project is an opportunity to counter that perception by taking the material on tour and using it to develop other resources.
What has happened so far?
I was commissioned by Hope Bradford to carry out the project early in 2008. Since then I have been identifying ‘stories’ and photographing them – much easier said than done! I now have a collection which covers a range of activity carried out by diverse
You can get in touch with me here if you have any thoughts or ideas for the project.
Many thanks
Tony