Georgia brings out school pupils’ creative side with photo project

A University of Northampton student has helped to ignite the creativity in young people after masterminding a school photography project.

Fine Art Master’s student, Georgia Watkins, set up the Northamptonshire Schools Photograph Project, which challenged pupils across the county to submit their snaps taken during the pandemic.

The public will be able to see the eye-catching results from Wednesday 30 June, when the photographs will be displayed at NN Contemporary Art, in Northampton’s Cultural Quarter.

Georgia, who is an ambassador for NN Contemporary Art, was asked to set up the project by the University’s School’s Engagement team as a way to get young people to engage with the arts.

The project is one of the initiatives organised for this year’s STEAM Northants event – a week of virtual activities to inspire and enthuse young people in all careers and subjects around STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths).

Pupils from Northamptonshire’s primary and secondary schools were challenged to select from a series of themes, such as our planet, light and beauty, and take photographs that inspired them to be creative without the restrictions of photography or art skills.

“I was very surprised by the quality of the photos,” said Georgia. “It was refreshing to see so many young people enthusiastic about the arts, especially those of a younger age.”

Isabelle Davies’ winning image, Seal of disapproval.

Not only did she organised the project, but Georgia was also tasked with choosing her overall favourite shot – Seal of Disapproval, by Guilsborough Academy pupil, Isabelle Davies.

“It was very hard to choose a favourite as I received so many wonderful submissions,” said Georgia.

“Each student thought so creatively about each theme and they are all so different.

“Ultimately, I had to choose Isabella’s one for first place because it just has so much charm. She has captured the image of the seal and has managed to give the animal a character, showing his expression of disapproval. I think she has got the photographer’s ability to notice interesting subjects.”

Visitors can view the photographs between Wednesday 30 June and Saturday 3 July, between 11am and 6pm, at NN Contemporary Art, 24 Guildhall Road, Northampton.

Entry is free, however all visitors must book in advance via the website.

Wootton Park School’s Kelly Lake submitted this image.

Pia Keller from Weavers Academy submitted this image.

Communication without human life, by Ethan Castalete from Weavers Academy.