Clifton Park Museum will be exhibiting a new collection of photographs when it reopens after lockdown – taken by the winners of Capture Rotherham, its young peoples’ photo competition.
The competition was part of Place Makers Future Shapers – the Museum’s programme that sees young people advise on how to make Clifton Park and Museum relevant and valuable for their own and future generations. The programme, which is supported by the National Heritage Lottery Fund, also provides training and work placements in the arts, heritage, marketing and digital skills. These activities have been made possible thanks to National Lottery players.
Young people aged 13 to 25 years old, and who live in the areas immediately around Clifton Park, were invited to enter photographs in one of the following five categories:
- Their experience of lockdown 2020
- A favourite heritage building, monument or site in their local area
- Their personal story (eg qualities, beliefs, individuality)
- A special place they visited during lockdown
- Their connection to their local area
Rotherham Council’s Head of Creative Programming and Engagement Leanne Buchan said: “Usually we’d be running workshops and events where young people get involved in exploring the Museum’s collections, telling new stories through them and creating exhibitions.
“With Covid-19 restrictions a lot of that activity had to be put on hold. We launched the Capture Rotherham competition as a way for young people to carry on shaping and contributing to the museum. And it was a way for us to show that the museum is still there for them – even if we can’t be together in person.”
The competition was supported by the Society of Photographers, the National Heritage Lottery Fund and Rotherham councillors for the Boston Castle, Rotherham East and Valley wards, through the Rotherham MBC Councillors Community Leadership Fund.
The winners were chosen by a panel of judges that included professional photographers, the Society of Photographers, and councillors who represent the communities immediately around Clifton Park. Ten winners received £50 Meadowhall vouchers, as well as their photographs being displayed in the museum. Three runners-up won a year’s membership to the Society of Photographers.
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Cleaner, Greener Communities Sarah Allen said: “We hope that having these photographs exhibited in the museum will inspire other young people to creatively express their feelings and perspectives – whether through photography or another medium.”
A prize ceremony to be hosted by Mayor of Rotherham Councillor Jenny Andrews in Clifton Park Museum – where winners will see their photographs unveiled for display – has also had to be postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions.
The Mayor said: “The young people in Place Makers Future Shapers perform vital work for Clifton Park Museum. Their insights, advice and creative contributions help ensure that our much-loved museum is fit for the future and continues to fascinate visitors of all ages.
“We can’t wait to welcome them back to Clifton Park and Museum, and celebrate their talent, as soon as it’s safe to.”
See a selection of the winning images on Facebook.