A Belfast city centre art gallery is trying to track down residents featuring in community photos part of a new photobook.
Belfast Exposed was founded in 1983 and is home to a substantial archive of over 4.5 million negatives and slides, compiled over 40 years and held in trust for the community. It is a valuable, living historical resource that documents political, cultural and social changes in Northern Ireland since the 1980s.
“Belonging” is the first in a series of limited editions photobooks from the Belfast Exposed archives. It will offer a window into the everyday lives of people in neighbourhoods across Belfast through the lens of professional and amateur photographers, including participants in community programmes.
These are stories of shared spaces, collective efforts, and a deep-rooted sense of togetherness. Whether it’s a street gathering, a quiet moment of connection, or the bustle of markets and festivals, each photograph reflects the heartbeat of the communities that breathe life into the city.
Ahead of the book's launch on December 5, the team at Belfast Exposed are on a mission to track down those featuring in the images to attend the launch event.
Deirdre Robb, Belfast Exposed CEO said: "In its 40 years, Belfast Exposed has worked with thousands of people across neighbourhoods in Belfast and “Belonging” is our way of sharing the wealth of photographs held in our archives with the community. Whilst these images are set against the backdrop of the Troubles, their focus is very much on moments of connection.
"We are eager to track down the people featured so that they might perhaps join us on the evening of the launch to reconnect with each other and with Belfast Exposed. Some of the children featured would now be in their forties and fifties, and we would love to hear how their stories unfolded.
"'Belonging' features photos taken between 1992 and 2004 and we hope it will bring a real feeling of nostalgia to Belfast residents, past and present. The people of Belfast are incredibly special to us at Belfast Exposed and we hope that those who buy the book can feel that through its pages."
The pictures featuring in the photobook were taken as part of community projects around Belfast. The 'Belonging' book is now available for pre-order by clicking here.
If you feature in any of the images, or know someone who does, you can get in touch through [email protected].
Take a look through our photo gallery below to see some of the images from throughout the years.
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