Under Construction
Exhibition of Photography for sale in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care
Each February Bradford School of Arts & Media's first year photography degree students mount an exhibition of their work to raise funds for a worthwhile charity and for the second consecutive year, this will be Marie Curie Cancer Care. Although one in four people will die of cancer, and many more will need continuing support to live with this and other critical illnesses, the crucial work of Bradford's Marie Curie Hospice is largely funded by charitable donations so in the current climate of austerity when the funding landscape is uncertain and private donors are hard pressed, the need to raise every possible penny to support this essential resource is more important than ever. Therefore to spread the word throughout the city, this year the exhibition has moved away from the College campus and into Centenary Square.
The exhibition’s title is not just an observation on the current state of Bradford’s city centre and the building site outside the Pop Up Art Space where the exhibition is being held, but also the students’ own creative journey, which is reflected in the diverse perspectives, styles and subjects on display. As student Nick Lee explained, “Our careers are all under construction too. We are all striving to become the best photographers we can be. For photographers, Bradford is such an exciting place to work and study at the moment, especially being UNESCO City of Film. Personally I think current work to construct the mirror pool is very positive and bringing new things into Bradford will bring communities together.”
Marie Curie Community Fundraising Manager, Brenda Doyle felt the title also expressed an important aspect of their work, which was also a building a better service. Brenda said “Our services are about improving the quality of people's lives. We are continuously trying to increase and extend what we do by developing new services for our patients. We are delighted that the College are continuing their support. Last year the student photography exhibition was so wonderful and I am looking forward to seeing their work this year. I hope that as it is in the city centre lots of people will pop in to Pop Up when they are out and about."
In addition to taking stylish photographs to grace any home or make a perfect present, arranging the display of their work and marketing the event, the students have been busy raising commercial sponsorship to ensure that printing, framing and associated costs are covered, so that 100% of the purchase price goes directly to the Hospice in Maudsley Street, Bradford. In recognition that most family budgets are being squeezed but that many people would want to support this great cause, prices have been slashed with prints for sale at only £10 unframed and £20 framed. Mass produced art prints on the high street sell for considerably more while these are very special and offer a brilliant way to encourage developing photographers while donating to a very deserving charity.
Under Construction officially opens on Thursday 10th February when everyone is welcome to come along and meet the photographers from 5pm until 8pm. The exhibition then runs from Tuesday to Fridays, 10 am until 5pm, until 25th February.
Purchasing a print in aid of Marie Curie is simple. Just complete an order form at the exhibition or view the photographs online here and email a.vaines@bradfordcollege.ac.uk to place an order.
You can see all the photographs for sale here
You can see Steven Cox's photographs of the packed opening here