A new photographic exhibition has opened at People’s History Museum that is curated by Proud 2 b Parents to highlight its work with LGBT+ parents and carers and their children. Showing until Wednesday 1 September 2021, The Unseen Community seeks to capture the ‘normality’ of everyday life in a series of images taken by artist Allie Crewe.
As well as raising awareness and understanding, the exhibition endeavours to challenge assumptions about these ‘unseen communities’ and reflect the work of Proud 2 b Parents over the last ten years as an organisation that runs sessions and provides vital support for LGBT+ parents.
Across the series of images Allie has shared a series of intimate and everyday moments; from baking to bye byes, cuddles to Calpol and pregnancy to a baby’s arrival in the delivery suite.
As well as being Proud 2 b Parents’ Service Coordinator and board Secretary, Matt Taylor-Roberts appears in the exhibition, with a picture that shows the joyful chaos of never having a moment to yourself as a parent and how lucky this makes him feel. But there are also other emotions at play, as Matt says, “At times in the day I have my whole world in one room with me. But, this photo also makes me sad, as this little boy is growing, changing and developing. One day I will miss my little shade but for now I am truly grateful for every moment I don’t have alone!
“I want this photo to tell you, I am like you! I am a parent too. I have the same overwhelming love for my child and the same fears, hopes and dreams. But I also worry that you will disprove of him, because of me. I worry that you won’t accept him, because of his parents. I worry you won’t let your child be friends with him because of who I love. I also want our community to know that you too can be a parent. That it’s not something you can’t be, just because of the person you are. But I also want you to know, we are part of your community too. I am gay and a parent. We have fought with you, been in parades, and stood next to you in bars. My son will do the same in time, because he will grow up to know the world around him, is a diverse melting pot, in which everyone is equal!!”
Allie is a highly renowned artist, whose work has been exhibited all over the UK and whose award credits include winner of the BJP Portrait of Britain Award in 2019.
Artist Allie Crewe says, “These fabulous families feel unseen, a community who wants greater visibility, to proudly take up space, the 21st century family is more diverse. Photography is a way to provoke new ways thinking and engage people in a different conversation. Art is transformative.”
People’s History Museum’s opening hours are Wednesday to Sunday, from 10.00am to 4.00pm. The museum and its exhibitions are free to visit with a suggested donation of £5. To find out about visiting the museum, its full exhibitions and events programme based both at the museum and online visit phm.org.uk, and you can keep up to date with the latest news by signing up to receive PHM’s e-newsletter, subscribing to the blog, or following the museum on social media on Twitter @PHMMcr, Facebook @PHMMcr, and Instagram @phmmcr.
ENDS
For further information please contact Fido PR:
laura.sullivan@fidopr.co.uk / clare.short@fidopr.co.uk
Images are available here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/gxwdighbbk9tnw6/AAAJenAH5gicIQDLJ25bMkNWa?dl=0
| Meet the team behind The Unseen Community
On Friday 6 August from 10.00am to 12noon you are invited to meet Matt Taylor-Roberts and Allie Crewe for a guided tour of the exhibition at People’s History Museum and interviews. If you would like to attend please email clare.short@fidopr.co.uk
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Notes to editors:
About People’s History Museum (PHM)
People’s History Museum (PHM) in Manchester is the national museum of democracy, telling the story of its development in Britain: past, present, and future. The museum provides opportunities for all people to learn about, be inspired by and get involved in ideas worth fighting for; ideas such as equality, social justice, co-operation, and a fair world for all. PHM offers a powerful programme with varied themes; 2018 looked at representation and commemorated 100 years since the first women and all men won the right to vote in Britain, in 2019 the focus was on protest to mark the bicentenary of the Peterloo Massacre in Manchester, the 2020-2021 programme is on the theme of migration and 2022 will explore disabled people’s rights and activism. Previous winner of Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum Award.
We are hugely grateful for the generosity of our funders who have supported People’s History Museum (PHM) during our period of closure and to reopen safely:
Arts Council England, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Here for Culture, Manchester City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
About Arts Council England (ACE)
PHM is an Arts Council England (ACE) National Portfolio Organisation (NPO). The work of PHM is supported using public funding by ACE, the national development body for arts and culture across England, working to enrich people’s lives. ACE support a range of activities across the arts, museums and libraries – from theatre to visual art, reading to dance, music to literature, and crafts to collections. Great art and culture inspires us, brings us together and teaches us about ourselves and the world around us. In short, it makes life better. Between 2018 and 2022, ACE will invest £1.45 billion of public money from government and an estimated £860 million from The National Lottery to help create these experiences for as many people as possible across the country. artscouncil.org.uk.
About Proud 2 b Parents
Proud 2 b Parents is an inclusive organisation, for all routes to parenthood. It is run by and delivers services for LGBT+ parents/ carers to be, LGBT+ parents/ carers and their children living in Greater Manchester. www.proud2bparents.co.uk
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