6 diverse groups from across the Liverpool City Region are to provide a unique snapshot of their lives and communities as part of this year’s LCR Cultural Events Programme.

The ‘Photo Here’ project will see established groups, including refugees and asylum seekers, members of the LGBTQI+ community and D/deaf and BSL users, tell their stories and the stories of the areas they live in with the help of professional ‘socially engaged photographers in residence’.

The photographers and community group members will work alongside Open Eye Gallery, who have been commissioned by the Combined Authority to deliver the project, to curate summer exhibitions of their work in each of the city region’s boroughs:- Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral.

Councillor Mike Wharton, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Business, Investment and Trade said:- “This year’s Cultural Events Programme is set to be thought-provoking and inspirational. I hope it challenges all of us to listen, to learn, and to reflect on the varied experiences of our diverse communities from across the Liverpool City Region. Culture is often a powerful catalyst for opening conversations and I’m looking forward to seeing the moments captured on film by the artists and community groups and how they will document these moments in history.”

Anoosh Ariamehr is the socially engaged photographer in residence for the Knowsley group. He said:- "This is my 3rd commissioned project as a socially engaged photographer. I am working with a group of displaced people and locals in Knowsley who are eager to share their stories through photography. I am excited to witness the group's growth day by day, what inspires their work, and the deeper meanings behind their images. Every week, I see their progress, the way they eagerly bring fascinating photos and compelling stories to each session. Seeing their dedication and passion and how quickly we have built a close and collaborative environment truly makes me happy."

With the unveiling of the summer exhibitions, Open Eye Gallery will launch the 2025 Liverpool City Region Photography Awards with both ‘Photo Here’ participants and the wider public invited to enter.

Sarah Fisher, Executive Director of the Open Eye Gallery said:- “This year, as we get to the exhibition stage of the ‘Photo Here’ project, we are hoping to encourage members of the community groups involved in the residencies and the wider public to enter the awards. Our last Liverpool City Region Photography Awards, in 2023, was a hugely successful exhibition, with 380 people participating in the open call and over 3500 people visiting the exhibition. We highlighted exciting work both digitally and physically, championing less heard voices and showing how everyday photography practice can be also a part of an exhibition. It also validated that Liverpool City Region is truly a great place for photographers, so we are already counting down to the launch!”

The 6 residency projects are now underway and will encourage creativity and provide high quality, free, creative workshops within the community groups as they work on the commissions over the next few months.