UoG photography experts lend expertise to support exhibition by Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees

Photography experts from University of Gloucestershire – a Supporting Organisation of the University of Sanctuary initiative – have collaborated with the Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees (CWR) charity on a new exhibition.

Tony Clancy, a Senior Lecturer in Photography, and recent MA Photography graduate, Stefania Distante, delivered a series of photography workshops for people seeking sanctuary and helped them contribute to the CWR’s upcoming ‘New Chapters’ event in Cheltenham.

Tony and Stefania worked with event organiser Steve Harris to select images for the public exhibition, which will feature art and photography by people seeking sanctuary, including three of whom have now been granted settled status, as well as work by professional artists.

Tony Clancy, from the University’s School of Creative Arts, said: “I had been leading a research project to develop photography courses for use with various refugee and other marginalised groups, along with partners in Greece, Cyprus and Bosnia-Herzegovina, when I was pleased to become involved in working with the CWR.

“It has been an absolute honour to deliver the workshops, where everyone involved was so engaged and keen to learn, and to be supporting the exhibition.”

Stefania Distante said: “It was a pleasure to participate in the photography workshops for refugees to extend a welcoming hand, and it has been a privilege to share some of my skills and time with them.

“I’m excited about their upcoming exhibition, where they will share their visual perspectives on their new home with the audience. They can be very proud of the images they have produced.”

The volunteer-led CWR hosts a number of activities and events throughout the year to support refugee families and asylum seekers in Cheltenham, which is officially a Town of Sanctuary.

The ‘New Chapters’ exhibition will be held at Sixteen Gallery in Montpellier, Cheltenham, from 26-31 July (10am-4pm), with an evening viewing until 7pm on 30 July.

CWR’s Steve Harris said: “Tony and Stefania’s support for this initiative has been invaluable, with their workshops enabling participants to develop their artistic and creative ideas and build a portfolio of images.

“Not only have they helped creatively, their support has also been a massive benefit in helping participants improve their confidence and language skills.”

As a Supporting Organisation of the University of Sanctuary initiative, the University works with local and national charitable organisations, and offers support through the Michael Perham Sanctuary Scholarship, which includes a full tuition fee waiver as well as a maintenance allowance.

The University’s first postgraduate student to be awarded the Michael Perham Sanctuary Scholarship, Mohammed Hady Taresh, an asylum seeker from Syria, last year achieved a first-class master’s degree in Cyber Security.

Image: A photograph taken by a member of the photography group at Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees