We are Unmute Photo, a collective of third-year photography students studying at Birmingham City University. As we come to the end of our degree, we are channelling our energy to produce a multifaceted virtual exhibition, limited edition physical zine, silent auction and a series of industry talks.
Our graduate showcase will be launching throughout the months of May and June, in which our website and silent auction will be hosted in May, followed by our industry talks across the month of June.
Our silent auction features some incredible photo books and prints from British and internationally based photographers such as Edward Burtynsky, Rankin and Sunil Gupta. The auction will be hosted for two weeks from Saturday 15th May and can be viewed through this link here.
Throughout the month of June, we will be hosting a series of industry insights with leading professionals in the creative industry, these include: Stanley Barker Books, Max Miechowski, Chris Hoare and Brian Homer of The Handsworth Self-Portrait Project. Stay tuned on the @unmutephoto Instagram to find out more about dates and further developments with the artist talks.
How have you been preparing for the Photography Graduate show?
In preparation for the graduate show we have been building our social media presence. We began with an Instagram account where we have been consistently promoting the work of the graduating students. We have also used the account to host Q&As with giving students space to express themselves, offering viewers insight to the many personalities involved with the show. In developing our own online identity we have built some publicity for the show which we plan to further extend through paid advertisement methods.
What are you looking forward to the most?
Moving forward with our exhibition, we’re looking forward to actively engaging with the creative artists talks and the ability to proudly exhibit our work at the end of our degree. Having worked hard over the past three years, we’ve come a long way as creatives, with our creative direction constantly developing as individuals and as a cohort.
Also coming to the end of our degree, although daunting, we’re looking forward to breaking into industry and starting our creative careers. We believe our determination against all the odds this past year will elevate our place in the creative industry.
Why should students get involved?
By students getting involved they can make exciting connections with the industry professionals of tomorrow. Especially students who are in other forms of Visual Communication, they may be interested in the work that is displayed and want to collaborate with these students in future.
By supporting our graduate showcase, whether that be donating to our fundraiser or bidding in our auction - you will be supporting the next generation of photography graduates to fulfill their vision and build the legacy they desire.
How is it different from last years?
We believe our 2021 graduate showcase is different from previous years due to a complete digitisation of our exhibition. Whilst the class of 2020 had to alter physical plans to digital, our showcase consists of a multifaceted array of events that previous years haven’t.
Check out our fundraiser here. Stay updated with the Photography Graduate show on Instagram and Facebook.
Written by Nathan McGill, Duke Agbeko and George Harris.