In 2022, Ffotogallery partnered with us to create 'Restore', a photography project that supported our clients and enabled them to master their skills in photography and explore their creativity. Through numerous workshops and day trips with two experienced photographers Tudor Etchells and Glyn Owen as their tutors and Tess Seymour as a project assistant.

   

The photography project was initiated in 2021 as a collaboration between Oasis Cardiff and Ffotogallery. In December 2021 a collaboration with CADW and National Trust provided an opportunity for participants to explore areas of the Welsh landscape through a photography workshop. This methodology was developed into a series of workshops where participants were able to explore different elements of photographic practice.

The work produced has been developed over several months in which photographers participated in analogue process workshops using disposable cameras as a way to explore beyond the digital format. Participants were encouraged to consider their image-taking skills in terms of their composition and formats, whilst exploring different techniques and styles such as portraiture, photomontage, street photography, and nature photography. This informed and empowered participants to formulise and visualise their own personal projects.

   

The work is created by photographers who have lived experience of forced migration and the asylum process; inexplicably the work explores isolation, identity, frustration and disappointment. However, some of the work begins to conceptualise broader themes such as community and communication, aspiration and the climate crisis. A big thanks to Ffotogallery and their community engagement programme for helping us to curate this exhibition and bring it to life.

The project provided an opportunity for people with a range of skills (from beginners to those looking to establish careers within photography) to engage with photography in various ways.

Initially, the exhibition was showcased at our centre during this year's Refugee Week in June. Then again twice in August, first at Green Man Festival and then at No Fit State's first Clifton Street Festival. Following this, we are very proud that Ffotogallery offered to host our exhibition displaying the incredible and creative outcomes of those who took part.