Documentary photographer Jason Shipley has been commissioned by Back to Ours to capture the pictures and stories of people local to Bransholme in stunning new exhibition We Are Bransholme.
The Back to Ours team has been engaging audiences in Bransholme for years with their popular music gigs, children’s shows and huge 2019 punk-pop circus opera Back to Bransholme in North Point Shopping Centre car park.
Their National Lottery Community Fund-funded Bransholme Chat shop is now in its second year at the centre, making connections with local people through chatting and regular events – even three lockdowns couldn’t stop them, with the shop quickly switching to phone calls and newsletters to make sure vulnerable people were supported and had someone to chat to on a weekly basis.
Jason’s a renowned photographer, born and bred in Hull and working internationally. He’s exhibited in The British Museum, Glasgow Gallery, Hull’s The Warren and been featured in numerous magazines and books. His work on We Are Bransholme is about reaching across the estate and talking to people, making connections and having wider conversations about their lives.
He says: ‘‘I wanted to help people tell their own story of Bransholme.
“I knew this is a fabulous community and wanted to explore some of things that bind people together and celebrate that with the people here. For example, the sense that people care for another, lean in and help each other out, care about the place and celebrate the hundreds and thousands of positive stories that exist here. I wanted to photographically record these moments and some of the many people that make up this place.
“I’ve been blown away by everyone, how welcoming they’ve been and how much positivity there is here. Even when there are occasional challenges for some, as we all have, it’s how people respond and overcome.
“I love this place.”
The exhibition artwork has been printed beautifully by Ollie at Friends On Every Street, and features black and white images of over 70 Bransholme locals.
Participant Liah Crammond says: “Being a part of this documentary has been an absolute honour from start to finish.
“I messaged Jason for personal reasons and ended up being a part of this documentary. We’ve laughed, cried, danced and sang, and the children in our neighbourhood now have memories of growing up on Bransholme together that they will always cherish.”
“Thank you to all involved.”
You can see We Are Bransholme at Bransholme Chat, North Point Shopping Centre, until Friday 25 June. The shop opens Tues-Fri, 10am-12pm/1-3pm.