Photography students showcase their work in collaboration between UoG and Eastgate Shopping Centre

University of Gloucestershire and the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Gloucester are collaborating on a public exhibition showcasing the imagination, innovation and ambition of Photography students within the local community.

Running until 18 November, Exploring Place at Eastgate Shopping Centre features a range of images capturing Gloucester’s rich history, exciting modern developments and diverse community taken by nine first-year students from the University’s BA (Hons) Photography programme.

The free exhibition, designed and delivered by students from the BA (Hons) Photography programme, includes portraiture, architecture, night photography and light painting, all combining to create a vibrant image of Gloucester.

As a module on the course programme, the project provided students with opportunities to introduce new ideas, collaborate on the composition of the exhibition and explore the city through their photographic practice, supported by funding from the Janet Trotter Trust.

New images are being added to ‘Exploring Place’ each week, mirroring the progress that students are making and reflecting the exciting redevelopments taking place around the city, including the University’s City Campus at nearby Kings Square.

Jenny Eastwood, Associate Head (Outreach and Engagement) of the University’s School of Creative Arts, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the Eastgate Shopping Centre to provide our first-year students with valuable experience of designing and delivering an exhibition for the local community and the many visitors to Gloucester to appreciate and enjoy.

“It’s been fantastic to see them throwing themselves fully into the project and embracing the idea of ‘place’ and capturing the effects of a location on the emotions and behaviour of people, with many on-site activities allowing them to engage with Gloucester’s rich history, new developments and diverse society.

“Right from the start of their academic journey, the students are building their confidence, encouraging and supporting each other on a range collaborative activities, and gaining important knowledge and experience.”

Benefits for students and local community

Jason Robinson, Senior Destination Manager at Eastgate Shopping Centre, said: “It has been brilliant to work with University of Gloucestershire and their students on the photography collaboration.

“The exhibition has produced fantastic work that everyone has been excited to see. It is great that we have been able to do something so vibrant and innovative with the space that benefits both the students and our local community.

“To work so closely with the University in advance of the new City Campus launching has been a hugely positive and groundbreaking experience for everyone involved.”