Up to 250 black and white portraits of people from the Sincil Bank community will be pasted on public spaces as part of an internationally recognised ‘Inside Out Project’.
“We are Sincil Bank” launched on 14 May with the aim of celebrating local stories through portraits and public art. The final portraits will go on display in July with photographers scheduling numerous visits to the area to capture local residents and showcase some of the unique voices from within the community.
The Inside Out Project is a platform that gives everyone the opportunity to make a statement by displaying large-scale black and white portraits of members from their community in public spaces. Through their action, communities around the world stand up for what they believe in and spark global change locally.
The project has received international recognition, with more than 415,000 people spanning across 138 countries participating in the world’s largest global participatory art project and is being independently organised in Lincoln by City of Lincoln Council and the University of Lincoln.
The final portraits will be pasted on pre-identified walls and buildings and will be non-permanent. A trail map will be produced for those wishing to explore the neighbourhood and view each of the portraits on display before they naturally wear away.
Sincil Bank is quickly developing a reputation as a hub for community art projects, and the latest scheme not only adds to the current offering for the area, but gives residents the opportunity to be directly involved throughout the whole process and influence the final installation.
Michelle Walsh, Senior Lecturer in Photography at the University of Lincoln, said: “We’re incredibly excited to launch this project in Lincoln as not only will it join an impressive global movement, but it will help celebrate the diverse range of stories from one of our own communities.
“Having your photo taken and exploring your neighbourhood is a really accessible activity that almost anyone can get involved with and creates a powerful display of community cohesion.”
Paul Carrick, Neighbourhood Manager for Sincil Bank at City of Lincoln Council said: “Alongside introducing more public art into the city, “We are Sincil Bank” helps to highlight the faces of those that take pride in their community and want to change perceptions of the area they live in.
“We’re hoping the final installation with include around 250 posters to be dotted throughout the area so not only are we inviting people to get involved by having their photograph taken, but to take the time this summer to explore the area and spot the portraits of their neighbours too.”
Barbara Gooding and Anne Lawson from Maze Matters community group: “It’s fantastic that more art projects are coming to the area, especially ones that the neighbourhood can get involved with.
“Over the last year we’ve stayed at home to protect our families and those around us, so it’ll be really nice to celebrate the community together and see some new faces on our walls when the final installation appears.”
If you’d like to get involved with the project or find out when a photographer will be in the area, contact Michelle Walsh at mwalsh@lincoln.ac.uk or visit the Sincil Bank Community Hub on Portland Street.