The Burton has appointed Jamie Dormer-Durling, a socially engaged photographer based in Weston-super-Mare, to run an upcoming photography project in partnership with the Pickwell Foundation.
Funded by the Foyle Foundation, the project will use photography to engage with asylum seekers and refugees, enabling them to learn a new skill and to express themselves visually.
During the workshops, participants will learn various approaches to image-making through photo walks, portraiture sessions and working in the studio, taking inspiration from other photographers to understand visual storytelling and creating short narratives. The final outcome will be exhibited as part of The Burton’s programme in 2026.
Jamie Dormer-Durling, a socially engaged photographer based in Weston-super-Mare, has been commissioned to work with the group following our recent open call. He is a founder/director of Common Waves CIC, a community arts organisation supporting underrepresented people to build creative confidence and share stories, based at The Common Room, a community art space that he co-founded. He is also the creative director of Photo Weston, a photography festival bringing international artists to the region, and a board member and regular collaborator with IC Visual Lab.
Alongside his own artistic practice, Jamie brings a wealth of experience of socially engaged work, having delivered projects with the Prison Education Service, Arts Council England, and the NHS ranging from wellbeing-focused photo walks to co-producing and publishing work with marginalised community groups.
We look forward to sharing more about the workshops in the coming months.
