Project Overview
The Portraits of Community Gardens: Growing Together project aims to explore and document the profound impact of community gardening and allotmenteering on individuals and communities. Over the course of 2025, this photography project will capture the stories of people who actively participate in these spaces, highlighting the benefits and connections fostered through gardening.
Through a series of environmental portraits, this project will celebrate the bond between community groups, gardeners and growers, their gardens, and their communities. The final images will be exhibited at the University of Dundee Botanic Gardens, providing insight into the transformative power of community gardening. These portraits will serve to raise awareness of the social, environmental, and personal growth that stems from cultivating shared garden spaces.
Aims of the Project
Highlight the Benefits of Community Gardens: Explore how community gardens promote physical and mental well-being, foster social connections, and empower people to contribute to their local environments.
- Celebrate Diversity in Community Gardening: Capture the varied backgrounds, ages, and experiences of those who participate in community garden projects.
- Showcase Environmental Connections: Depict the symbiotic relationship between people and nature, as well as the ecological benefits these spaces provide in urban and rural areas.
- Create a Platform for Storytelling: Use portraits to tell personal stories about why people are drawn to community gardening and the positive impacts they experience.
- Promote Community Gardens: Inspire others to join or support local gardening projects by showcasing the tangible benefits and the beauty of these shared spaces.
Call for Participants
I am seeking individuals who are actively involved in community gardens or allotmenteering to participate in this project. If you have a story to tell about how your participating in community gardening has positively impacted your life, I would love to feature you in this photographic series.
Participants will have the opportunity to be part of a professionally conducted portrait session in their gardening environment. These portraits will be accompanied by a short personal story, sharing your unique experience with gardening. The images and stories will be part of a public exhibition celebrating community gardens and their impact.
I'm also extremely keen to hear from community groups and organisations particularly those working to provide children and adults opportunities to experience these outdoor spaces to the benefit of their health, wellbeing and personal development. While this is a personal project I am keen to collaborate with others.
Participation Details
- Portraits will be taken over the remainder of 2024 and over the course of 2025 in your community garden or plot.
- Participants should be willing to share their story and be photographed in their gardening environment.
- You will be part of a public exhibition that will showcase the series of environmental portraits.
- All selected participants will be acknowledged and invited to attend the exhibition.
If you or someone you know would like to be a part of this project, please reach out to me via the form below with a brief introduction and your connection to community gardening. Together, we can shine a light on the beauty and importance of these spaces.
Thank you for your interest in this project. I'll be in touch shortly
