‘Get North’ Photography Competition

The Great Exhibition of the North has teamed up with the Northern Powerhouse to encourage the public to get behind the lens and capture the essence of what makes the North ‘Great’.

Running until the end of December 2017, the competition is open to all ages with entrants tasked with responding to one of four themes – Northern Culture, Landscape & Cityscape, Art & Design and My Innovative North.

Speaking about the competition, Great Exhibition of the North Chair, Sir Gary Verity, said: “The North is packed with a fantastic spectrum of experiences, traditions and innovations – all of which combine to create a culture which is uniquely ‘Northern’. The Great Exhibition of the North will seek to tell some of these stories by exploring inspired technology and cutting-edge culture through amazing exhibits, vibrant street performances and magical experiences across NewcastleGateshead next summer. To help bring the Exhibition to life even further we want the public to share their most important northern stories with us. Our photography competition is a brilliant way for people to make sure their voice, or view, is part of the Exhibition.”

Entries will be judged by a panel, including world renowned photographer Sirkka-Liisa Kontinnen who founded the Tyneside-based Amber Collective in 1969 and is perhaps best known for her 1983 book entitled Byker, a seminal portrait of the terraced Newcastle community, eventually bulldozed to make way for the now iconic Byker Wall.   

Carol Bell, Executive Director of Great Exhibition of the North, said: “What we’re looking for are images that really speak of a person’s experience being in the North. The place is filled with icons, from Manchester’s Canal Street to the Angel of the North in Gateshead, so we’re seeking images that depict some of these landmarks in a new light. We also want to get a feel for where people think the future of the North is heading. The My Innovative North category is all about illustrating how Northern innovation is changing lives today and shaping the future, so we’re really hoping the public will grasp that concept and uncover surprising and inspiring scenes. Having studied and practiced for a short while as a professional photographer, I’m really looking forward to seeing the entries and may even have a go myself!”

The Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry said: “The Great Exhibition of the North is about telling the story of the North to the world. There could be no better way than through our North photography competition so let’s get shooting!”

Competition entrants will see their work displayed as part of a digital exhibition on the getnorth2018 website with the chance for winning work to be included on official branding. Winning entrants will also win a trip for a family of four to NewcastleGateshead with a two-night stay at Jesmond Dene House and return travel from Virgin Trains during the Great Exhibition of the North, with spending money. 

Schools and colleges are also encouraged to engage their pupils with the competition and submit student responses in school specific categories to win £500 worth of art supplies.

Images can be submitted online and via Instagram or Twitter using #getnorthphotocomp. Full details of how to enter can be viewed at www.getnorth2018.com.