Open Eye Gallery: What Makes Us

Celebration Event: 16 May 5.30pm – 7.30pm (RSVP) 

What Makes Us is an exhibition that explores how young people experience, question, and are shaped by their communities.

Created by Year 12 photography students from Whitby High School in Ellesmere Port, the works presented here are the result of months of thoughtful inquiry and creative exploration. Responding to the theme of Community, each student has developed an individual project that reflects on the personal and collective forces that influence their sense of belonging and identity.

These photographs delve into the often unseen, everyday details that give life to a place, such as moments of connection, memory, resilience, and change. Some projects celebrate the strength found in family, friendships, and local traditions. Others question the limits and pressures that can come with growing up in a particular environment. Together, they create a rich portrait of what community means to them.

Anna Wijnhoven, Creative Producer for Schools and Young People Programme, said: ‘Over the past few months, I have worked with the students to help them create thoughtful and insightful photography projects that reflect their personal stories as well as their local culture and heritage. Throughout the project, the students have learnt a range of visual literacy skills that will help them to become a part of a new generation of image makers, and I am excited and intrigued to see what the future holds for them all.’

Student Alex said: ‘The My Community project has honestly made me appreciate Ellesmere Port’s community spirit a lot more. I think we have something special that many other towns don’t have and I’m glad to have captured this in my project. I hope that the takeaway people have from viewing our exhibitions is how the young people feel towards our community.’

Student Jackie said: ‘Working with Anna and the Open Eye Gallery on this project and exhibition has been an absolutely amazing opportunity and got me to view my community in a completely different light, even expanding the reach of what I consider to be my community.’

Our communities are essential for providing a sense of belonging, support and shared purpose. They connect people, help us feel valued and understood and in times of need, a strong community offers support.   Through collective action, communities can address challenges, inspire growth, and build a more compassionate society. Ultimately, community strengthens individuals and empowers them to make a difference together.

Students participating in the exhibition:

Alex Doyle

Alex Hunt

Connie Frederikson

Lily Bainbridge

Lily Dodd

Jackie Ashman

Lily Jacks

Lily Rowley

Lyla Maya

Open Eye Gallery has been working with long-standing partners Whitby High School, on What makes us. Nine students from Whitby High have produced their own individual photography projects for exhibition at Open Eye Gallery with the theme of ‘My Community’ in mind. 

Image: Lily Jacks