Inside the student-led exhibition that gives the homeless a voice

Stories of the Streets is organised by People of the Streets CIC, a student-led initiative organised by University of Nottingham students Charles Kerr, Qas Hussain and Alex Greenhalgh, with support from Boots and Kodak. People of the Streets is based in Nottingham and distributes products to cities across the UK.

With the support of local homeless centres Emmanuel House and Canaan Trust, volunteers from the homeless community have been provided with a personal disposable camera, giving them an opportunity for creative expression, enabling them to share their stories with others and to challenge negative perceptions.

The photographs and unique stories behind them will be on display, with framed prints available for visitors to purchase at the exhibition and online at https://peopleofthestreets.co.uk. All proceeds will be split between the artists through a pay-it-forward scheme, such as secure accommodation or meals for the individual, and re-invested back into the social enterprise to support more people and exhibitions across the UK. There are plans to expand the exhibition into other partner cities, such as Brighton and Manchester.

Managing Director Charles says: “With Winter fast approaching, this is the most difficult time of year for those who are sleeping rough. We hope people will take advantage of this opportunity to open their minds, hearts and eyes to the challenges that homeless people in our city and across the UK face, and see the humanity behind the beauty of these images.”

Operations Director Alex adds: “As a society, we often speak about homeless people, but they seldom get a chance to speak. We hope this exhibition gives people some insight into the talents of the homeless community, through their eyes.”

The exhibition will be open to the public from Saturday 18 November, with a launch event on Friday 17 November at 6pm.
Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/285727905258572/