GRAIN
GRAIN is an arts organisation dedicated to commissioning, facilitating and delivering ambitious, engaging and high quality photography projects, commissions, events and exhibitions.
They commission and produce new work in collaboration with artists and photographers and collaborate with major partners here and internationally to reach and inspire new audiences and participants.
GRAIN is supported by Arts Council England and by Birmingham City University.
GRAIN aims to support and grow photography opportunities in order to support artists and develop opportunities for audiences and participants. They support artists in realising their ideas and in developing new and ambitious opportunities in photography. GRAIN produces and commissions artworks as well as delivering research and development projects, exhibitions, commissions, events and a range of artists’ opportunities and training support.
GRAIN is led by GRAIN Projects CIC, a unique and collaborative arts organisation that responds to the needs of practitioners and communities and supports artists, photographers and curators. GRAIN began its story in 2012 at the Library of Birmingham. In 2015 it became an independent arts organisation with the support of its partners.
GRAIN is committed to working with emerging practitioners and investing in talent. As part of their programme they deliver a broad range of continuing professional development activities including mentoring, bursaries, exhibitions, internships, courses, training, talks and portfolio reviews.
Image Credit - Grain
‘TOO RICH A SOIL’
“GRAIN in collaboration with The New Art Gallery Walsall presented an exhibition which brought together three photographers, Arpita Shah, Maryam Wahid and Nilupa Yasmin whose practices are rooted in the exploration of cultural identity.
Together they presented new and existing work focused around portraiture, culture and female identity. Through making work both about and in collaboration with their families and communities, these artists celebrate the rich and varied roles of women in society.
This exhibition provided an opportunity to expand upon narratives around the Asian diaspora and in particular the roles and identities of women.”
Source: Grain website
Image Credit: Maryam Wahid (BCU website)
“Maryam never thought her passion in photography could turn into a successful career. But just weeks before starting, she pulled out of the Religion and Theology course that she was due to study at a different university and instead, she threw herself into BCU’s Photography course. After thriving at BCU, Maryam has had incredible success, from awards, TV shows and even working alongside royalty.”
Read the full feature on the BCU’s main website