Community Art
Pinhole project
I worked on a community art project where young people explored pinhole photography. The project was inspired by the principles of Urban Explorers:
The Story Behind the Project
An old cattle feed factory in Groningen was bought by the housing corporation Lefier. The plan was to develop it into a creative living and working space.
A Place with History
- The site is known as the former ACM site.
- It emerged in 1892 when a farming association started with the joint purchase of agricultural supplies.
- In 1950, the factory was built at this location.
- Lefier aimed to preserve the striking building as much as possible, but two fires severely damaged the structure.
Despite this, the area remained popular among young people. Unfortunately, it became a hotspot for illegal graffiti and littering. Parts of the terrain were also quite dangerous.
Changing Perspectives Through Photography
We introduced a pinhole photography project to foster a sense of responsibility and appreciation for the site. The goal was to:
- Give young people a new perspective on the area.
- Encourage them to take ownership and prevent further decay.
- Teach them about urban exploration and its core philosophy.
It should feel like their place, making them more responsible and positive towards it. During this project, the youngsters worked on the site and took pictures. They learned about the area’s past and searched for traces through this photography project, following the theme of Urban Exploring (exploring abandoned buildings in disrepair and making a photographic record of them). Leaving nothing but footprints and taking nothing but photographs is an essential rule in this scene.
We even built a darkroom on the grounds, providing electricity using aggregates. This way, the youngsters could develop their images directly on the spot.
Interactive Elements
Before, during and after the project, signs were placed at the fence displaying QR codes. Interested people could scan these codes with their mobile phones to learn more about the project.
Afterwards, the young people learned how to edit their pictures in Photoshop. The results were printed on canvas and showcased in an exhibition.
Watch the Project Video
Hans ten Berge made a video about the project for local television.
You can find more information about projects and workshops
Want to learn more? Visit the Pinhole Photography Workshop page for more information.
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