WHAT IS PHOTO - CANOPY?

Photo -Canopy is an in house art programme at BSDC designed to bring student’s and professional artists together to create contemporary work in response to The NATIONAL FOREST. By working with established artists and staff at BSDC student’s gain a unique insight into working and exhibiting as professional photographers and artists whilst exploring their local area, gaining awareness of the National Forests history and evolution and also expanding the creative scene in Burton and the surrounding areas.

Photo -Canopy began as a photography residency project in 2011 -2014, which involved several photographers producing work in response to The National Forest. However, the project is now 10 years on and has expanded to encompass all creative areas. In 2016 Emma J. Lannie wrote three beautiful stories entitled ‘Echo Chamber’, ‘While The Forest Holds Its Breath’ and ‘Guardian of the Tower’. These were recorded and played at the 2016 private view and Emma also read one of the stories aloud. In 2018/19 the residency was handed over to our HE creative learners who responded in a variety of ways; painting, traditional and fine art photography, graphics and video/sound. Photo Canopy offers a residency opportunity biannually and has begun archiving the work produced. In turn, we exhibit in the years that sit between the biannual FORMAT FESTIVAL held in Derby. BSDC student’s get the chance to produce work each year in response to one of the two open calls. Our current last two OPEN CALLS encouraged not only photographers, but graphic designers, fine artists, painters, moving image makers, performance artists, sculptors and writers.

Since its inception in 2011, my involvement with Photo-Canopy has allowed me opportunities to engage with influential figures such as Brian Griffin, to document the work of artists, encourage participation and also respond in my own personal way to the forest in the making. From the outset, I found myself drawn to the simple concept behind Photo-Canopy, connecting deeply with its collaborative exploration of art, nature, and community.

Upon the conclusion of the initial residency and exhibition, my mind brimmed with possibilities for the project's future direction. Conversations with founder Chris Beech, solidified our mutual desire to drive Photo-Canopy forward. Together, we envisioned a biannual residency program under my direction, aimed at encouraging the collaboration between established photographers and aspiring students. Our shared hope was clear: to cultivate a creative space where participants could respond to the natural beauty of the national forest and the towns that lay within it.

Over the course of the past decade, Photo-Canopy has blossomed into an effective platform, attracting a diverse bunch of wonderful photographers, artists, videographers, writers, designers alike. Their contributions have not only enriched our community but have also served as sources of inspiration for the students involved. Seeing the outcomes of such a range of artworks has been a deeply rewarding experience. I’m humbled by the wonderful responses we’ve received to date, particularly in the last few years, reaffirming the ongoing significance of Photo-Canopy's purpose. 

- MARIE LA STARZA//Creative Director

“So many folk tales, songs and stories are set in the forest. It’s at the heart of so much of our creative output. And Photo-Canopy is a part of that, exploring themes of regeneration, landscape, nature, and the still-urban spaces that exist within this ever-evolving ‘Forest in the Making’.”

— EMMA J. LANNIE