VIRTUAL ISTANBUL HERITAGE(S)
Abstract
NEPN (North East Photography Network), an initiative of the University of Sunderland, UK, has an established reputation in the social practice of photography. This diverse field of practice includes interrogation and repurposing of existing vernacular photography archives, co-creation of new photographic outputs in heritage and public contexts and production of new photographic stories that impact or influence public perceptions. This paper explores a recent project led by NEPN with photographic artist Julian Germain, Sunderland ‘73: The People’s Visual History, which celebrates under-represented aspects of material and intangible heritage relating to Sunderland’s 1973 Football Association Cup run and win. This occasion is one of the most significant events in the history of Sunderland, reaching beyond the usual football boundaries and affecting the whole community in an outpouring of civic pride and pure joy. The project amassed a photographic archive of at-risk vernacular material, and outputs to date include a photography book, new photographic portraiture, multi-media artworks, oral histories, mobile exhibitions, heritage skills workshops, reminiscence resources for use in schools and care-homes. The paper includes discussion of the concepts of co-production and collaboration, the mobilisation of ‘progressive nostalgia’ (Smith and Campbell) and its relationship to heritage, the myriad roles of commissioner and artist, and outlines some of the benefits for the project’s many communities of interest – partners, participants, and wider publics. It concludes with reflection on complex relationship between heritage, archive and artwork, and the challenges of ensuring ongoing and relevant access to the project’s outputs.
Amanda Ritson is a photography project manager and curator. Since 2009, she has been the Manager of NEPN (North East Photography Network) at University of Sunderland, UK, which offers photographic commissions, exhibitions, professional development and critical dialogues. Ritson’s recent projects include Sunderland ’73: The People’s Visual History, a photographic and cultural heritage project with artist Julian Germain. She has held previous roles at Arts Council England, International Photography Research Network, and is currently an Academic Tutor at the University of Sunderland.
Dr Carol McKay is an independent photography and art historian, curator, and writer. McKay is a co-founder of NEPN (North East Photography Network), a research and development initiative for photography hosted by University of Sunderland, UK, which works across higher education and cultural sectors to create a critically engaged context for photographic activity. Current research interests include models of commissioning, exhibiting, and disseminating contemporary photography, the social practice of photography and photography’s communities of practice. McKay completed her PhD at University of Cambridge and has previously held academic positions at University of Sunderland, Goldsmiths, University of London, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff.
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Tuesday 7th July, 2026