Museum launches major call for ‘authentic’ photos to define North Devon life

The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon has launched a public call for entries for its Annual Documentary Photography Open. This year’s exhibition, titled ‘This Is Me’, invites photographers of all levels to submit work exploring personal identity and life in the region.

The theme will explore the lives of the people living, working, and passing through North Devon today, with the intention of creating a “colourful living portrait” of the region. 

Amateur and professional photographers are welcome to enter, and for the first time this year, there will be a digital category for 14 - 18-year-olds. 

Alison Mills, director of the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon, said: “In a world that is constantly changing, and where people are constantly moving, we are asking members of the public to reflect on those aspects of themselves that remain the same and make them feel uniquely themselves. 

“We hope that this is a theme that will speak particularly to our young people, and we can’t wait to unveil what promises to be a fascinating exhibition that will appeal to everyone.”

The exhibition will also include a selection of historic photographs by James Ravilious, a British photographer commissioned to document rural life in North Devon from the late 1970s to 1990. 

Olivia Desborough, audience development officer for North Devon Council, said: “The result will be something truly personal and authentic. An exhibition that we hope will reflect our community in all its richness and diversity.

“For anyone taking part, it’s a fantastic opportunity, including the chance to see their work exhibited alongside the iconic and historic North Devon portraits taken by renowned photographer James Ravilious.

Ms Desborough described what she wanted the exhibition to represent and achieve. 

“We want to encourage people to reflect on how they see themselves, how they want to be seen by others, and how they can express what is unique about who they are. 

“Whether it’s through a carefully composed portrait or a spontaneous selfie, every entry will tell a personal story about the individual behind the lens.”

The deadline for submitting entries is April 11. The Annual Documentary Photography Open exhibition will open on April 25 and will run until June 20. 

Entries can be submitted online at the museum’s website: barnstaplemuseum.org.uk