Hidden Voices began in January 2024 as a pilot initiative facilitated by Open Eye Gallery in collaboration with photographer-in-residence Anoosh Ariamehr. In partnership with SHARe Knowsley, the project set out to use photography as a means of integration, self‑expression, and social connection for refugees and other displaced communities. From the outset, Hidden Voices provided a safe, neutral environment where participants could overcome barriers to engagement and combat isolation through creative practice.
Over eight weeks at SHARe Knowsley’s Huyton base, Anoosh guided participants through the fundamentals of mobile photography—composition, lighting, editing—and introduced principles of ethical storytelling. By encouraging individuals to document their own experiences, the project fostered genuine dialogue between refugees and local residents and gave displaced people a platform to share their perspectives with wider audiences. Photo walks and gallery visits further enriched the learning experience and amplified the participants’ practice.
Through Hidden Voices, participants not only strengthened social bonds but also discovered photography’s power as both an artistic medium and a tool for communication. The project’s success—evident in new friendships formed, increased visibility of refugee narratives, and a deeper understanding of visual storytelling—led to its evolution into New Faces, New Focus, a pilot programme from the Going Places national project. This continuation underscores the commitment to using participatory photography to foster empowerment, build community, and ensure that diverse voices remain at the heart of every frame.
