Picturing Our Past is an exhibition of photographs taken by peer support groups from across the de-industrialised West of Scotland. It was a three-year project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund for Scotland from 2021-2024. Its aim was to break down some of the mental, financial, cultural and educational barriers which prevent people from poorer areas accessing Scotland's heritage and show how we all help shape history.
Over the three years Inclusive Images worked with 12 community organisations supporting people affected by a range of life challenges, including disability, poor mental and physical health, addiction and additional support needs. The Picturing Our Past project focused on the local social, cultural and industrial heritage of some of the most economically deprived areas in Scotland. These are communities which have seen major economic and social changes in the lifetime of many participants, most of whom would have personal or family memories of the areas proud ship-building and industrial past.
Using participatory photography workshops, heritage photo walks and visits, the project aimed to raise awareness of, and interest in, places of local historic significance as well as iconic heritage sites. Working in partnership with local historians, cultural and heritage organisations, participants were provided with accurate and engaging historical information, joined discussions about their local heritage, which they were then supported to discover and photograph.
