Yannick Dixon [ Photographic Works ] Contact
Professional Freelance Photographer
Arts Development UK Photography Residency
![Mike Garry [ Poet in Residence ]](BIGmikegarrypoetinresidence.jpg)
Mike Garry [ Poet in Residence ]
Taken at 10:01am. Friday 14th October 2011
Last month I spent two days working as the photographer in residence for the Arts Development UK National conference. The main task of the photography residency was to document a creative account of the conference that could be used to illustrate a published report following the event and circulated nationally. Over the two days I photographed a mix of keynote presentations, breakouts, study tours, and open forum discussion groups. This years conference, entitled ‘A Process of Illumination’, explored key issues including: the shape and future of arts development, the realities of the Big Society and navigating the political and economic landscape.
A Process of Illumination: AD:UK National Conference in Blackpool
A Process of Illumination: AD:UK National Conference in Blackpool
Three years ago I was commissioned as the Photographer in Residence for the NALGAO (National Association of Local Government Arts Officers) annual conference which, in 2008, was held at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. The underpinning theme of the conference was the contribution that the arts and creative industries make in building sustainable communities and supporting regeneration. The conference was a huge success and I had a fantastic time photographing keynote speakers, workshops and cultural study tours. Earlier this year, NALGAO rebranded itself as Arts Development UK and is coming back to Blackpool for the first time since 2008. I’m pleased to say that I’ve been asked back once again to undertake the role of Photographer in Residence.
Blackpool Walking Tour: Ballroom Dancing
Taken at 3:38pm in the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool. Thursday 9th October 2008.
On the second day of the NALGAO conference there were a series of breakout sessions & a variety of tours for delegates. I chose the ‘Blackpool Walking Tour’ in the afternoon and had a fantastic time learning about the heritage & history of the Winter Gardens, Tower Ballroom, Grand Theatre, Grundy Gallery and Teenage Library Space. I took this photograph in the Tower Ballroom and it is a moment I’ve waited to take for a long time. Ballroom dancing used to be huge and I can imagine the ballroom brimming with dancers back in the “old days”. There is certainly a special atmosphere when you step into the Tower Ballroom and I’d love to go back to take some more photographs.
NALGAO Delegates
Taken at 2:27pm in the Spanish Hall at Winter Gardens, Blackpool. Wednesday 8th October 2008.
This is my first blog post featuring a photograph taken during my photography residency at the NALGAO ‘Switched On!’ Conference 2008. The three-day event was held at the spectacular Winter Gardens and was a fantastic experience. The NALGAO conference has become a key date in the national arts calendar and is an important event for local authorities and their delegates. As mentioned in one of my previous posts, this year’s conference focussed upon “the contribution that the arts and creative industries make in building sustainable communities and supporting regeneration”.
Photographer In Residence: NALGAO Conference
Earlier this month I was commissioned to be the photographer in residence for this year’s NALGAO (National Association of Local Government Arts Officers) conference. The conference is entitled ‘Switched On!” & will focus on “the contribution that the arts and creative industries make in building sustainable communities and supporting regeneration”. This annual event is held at a different venue each year, with this years being held at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. The photography residency will document a creative account of the event, including keynote speakers, breakout sessions & study tours.