Launching in 2025, Connecting Through Nature invites local communities to engage with themes of nature, wellbeing, and climate change through the powerful medium of socially engaged photography. Initiated by the University of Salford in partnership with RHS Garden Bridgewater and Open Eye Gallery Liverpool, and funded by Arts Council England, this ambitious project aims to enrich lives and foster a deeper connection between individuals and their natural environment.
At its core, the project involves commissioning photographers to work collaboratively with diverse community groups within RHS Garden Bridgewater's unique spaces, such as the Community Grow Garden. Participants are guided through creative processes to explore their personal relationships with nature, document their experiences, and share their unique perspectives through the camera lens. This participatory approach empowers individuals, building confidence and fostering a sense of shared purpose.
As the project unfolds, the focus will shift towards developing these collaborative works into public presentations. A preliminary display of work in progress is anticipated at Open Eye Gallery in early 2026, offering an initial glimpse into the ongoing dialogue between communities and the natural world.
The project will culminate in significant public exhibitions designed to amplify the voices and visions of the participants. An outdoor presentation is planned for RHS Garden Bridgewater in summer 2026, allowing the artworks to resonate within the very environment that inspired them. Following this, a celebratory exhibition will open at Salford Museum and Art Gallery and the University in autumn 2026, providing a comprehensive showcase of the entire programme's outcomes.
Connecting Through Nature demonstrates the profound capacity of socially engaged photography to bridge divides, promote healthier living, and deepen our collective understanding of crucial environmental themes. By fostering direct engagement and co-creation, it illustrates how visual art can powerfully connect communities to their surroundings, inviting a shared appreciation for the wonders of nature and our role within it.
