The Context
Translink delivers public transport across Northern Ireland, connecting people and communities with employment, amenities, retail and entertainment through rail, bus and coach services. They seek to do so in a way that supports four objectives; Operational excellence; Customer satisfaction; Value for money; and Passenger growth. To support these objectives they engage in creative partnerships to inject a bit of fun into the passenger experience, to encourage people to use their services and positively contribute to a thriving, healthy and sustainable Northern Ireland for all.
Belfast Exposed is Northern Ireland’s leading photography organisation. Their vision is to enrich people's lives through photography. Belfast Exposed provides a range of services including four public galleries exhibiting work by internationally renowned and local photographers, images from their 'Archive', and a ‘Futures’ programme for emerging artists.
The need for connection has become increasingly sought after in recent years, and both Translink and Belfast Exposed wanted to capture and showcase how connecting with nature has been a vital component of wellbeing for many people during this challenging time. Both partners also wished to shine a spotlight on key societal issues including climate change, sustainability and environment protection.
The Solution
Belfast Exposed and Translink share several core values, making them natural creative partners. The people of Northern Ireland are the heart of both organisations, and both place a strong focus on increasing accessibility and diversity in communities, as well as driving creativity and innovation.
With those shared missions in mind, the two joined together to create a photography competition to document the Natural Connections which have sustained, surrounded, and encouraged people and communities since 23 March 2020, the first day of lockdown last year. They asked the public to submit images through social media, expressing what they felt naturally connected to during the pandemic. The project utilised photographic methods and therapeutic processes that Belfast Exposed have used successfully for many projects over the past few years. Ultimately, Translink wanted to create a project that was thought-provoking, uplifting and would instil a sense of hope during the pandemic whilst capturing a snapshot of ‘how we lived then’.
With over 1,300 images submitted to the project, alongside a wave of positive public feedback and media coverage, it is safe to say that the objectives of the project were certainly achieved.
Natural Connections in Numbers:
1,364 images submitted by 1,000+ photographers
4 workshops attended by 61 participants
102 social media posts, generated 3,147 engagements
446 people visitors to the Natural Connections exhibition
The project received submissions from across Northern Ireland, with a small portion also coming from Ireland and Britain.
The project also had a very positive impact on the development of the Belfast Exposed Archive for the future, helping to increase the accessibility and diversity of their audiences, participants and stakeholders.
The natural synergy between these two partners, and their aims was evident, with enormous potential scope to continue a long-term partnership and explore further creative opportunities.
“With nearly fourteen hundred photographs submitted from all over Northern Ireland to the Natural Connections competition, Belfast Exposed are overjoyed by the public’s response highlighting their love of all things natural and how engaging with it can support our well-being. The quality of the submissions made for a very difficult selection to edit the shortlisted artists and eventual winner. The partnership with Translink and support from Arts & Business have been an enriching process for us as an arts organisation, and we are grateful for the support of Heather McLachlan (Director for Northern Ireland, National Trust) and Professor Siobhan O’Neill (Interim Mental Health Champion).”
Deirdre Robb, Chief Executive, Belfast Exposed
“Natural Connections has really shown us how people across the country have connected with nature during lockdown - the judges and I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing all of the images submitted. Our winner struck a chord with us all but in fact, all of the entries submitted brought the lockdown period to life in some way.”
Gordon Milligan, Deputy Chief Executive, Translink
