Draft Vision for a Birmingham Photospace

This group (named ……….) has been established with the aim of setting up a photography space in Birmingham. The two main objective of this space will be to:

1) Show the best global and local photography to the citizens (and visitors) of Birmingham –aiming to be a significant regional, national and hopefully international resource.

2) Provide a support base for photographers working or wishing to work in the field – supporting both digital and analog workers

The space ideally should be located close to the City Centre, and could be in a converted industrial space either in Digbeth or the Jewellery Quarter

The photography space will both set high curatorial standards but also unlike other galleries actively encourage photographers to become involved, to support and contribute to the space. A membership scheme shall be integral to the gallery.

A key element of the space will be to have an active digital as well as physical presence

The group will seek to formally establish itself and will take advice on the best format for that.

It will fund raise, raise awareness, lobby, develop a precursor digital space and put on events where possible prior to the establishment of the space.

It will be co-ordinated by a group of volunteers in the first instance. Decision making will be undertaken by the group but with open discussion on FLICKR and other digital sites where appropriate.

Eventually the group will seek to run the space, or establish a vehicle to run the space or if other similar initiatives are being develop look to work in co-operation with such initiatives.

Patrick Willcocks

7^th October 2008