December is usually a time to wind down but not for the BA (HONS) and MA photography at The University of Bolton. Friday 16th December saw two major events come together creating immense impact for the busy academic department as firstly The Photography Industry Advisory Board (PIAB) met.

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(Pictured L to R) Jason Simpson Director Neo Gallery, Ian Glover Programme Leader BA (HONS) Photography, Katrina Houghton Marketing and Communications Coordinator Redeye and Thomas Dukes Curator Open Eye Gallery. Members also include Gus Sivyer Chief Photographer at Newsquest (North West) and Terry Speake Programme Leader for MA Photography.

 

The boards objectives are to synthesis academia and industry offering all parties; students and members the opportunity for bilateral information exchange including opportunities for students to meet and work alongside world- leading professionals.

Ian Commented, ‘Neo Artists have had a long and successful association with us for many years, which includes great prizes and exhibitions for students and more recently so have Gus Sivyer and The Bolton News who have been offering professional and technical advise as well as placements for students for the past year. We are really excited to welcome Katrina and Redeye, the international photography network based in Manchester to the board as they present huge opportunities in industry experience and advise for our students. Thomas and Open Eye Gallery who are based in Liverpool bring experience from one of the oldest, most famous and established international photographic galleries in the United Kingdom. Their exhibition list includes the biggest names in photography from The FSA to Martin Parr and many other internationally renowned artists’.

Following the successful meeting the group attended the BA (HONS) Photography Year Three external exhibition at Bolton Marketplace.