Unique photographic competition comes to St Paul's

A photo competition designed to celebrate the talent and creativity of London's homeless population has come to St Paul's.

The contest on Wednesday, 31 July, saw 100 disposable cameras handed out at St Paul's and participants tasked with taking pictures covering three themes: My Life, My Friends & Family, and My London.

Organised by Café Art and supported by the Royal Photographic Society, the initiative helps celebrate the artwork of London’s homeless.

Paul Ryan from Café Art, said: "The goals of this competition and Café Art are to provide people affected by homelessness an outlet to express their talent and creativity. The artwork is displayed in Cafes around London and all money from sales go directly to the artist. This fantastic initiative has helped to boost self-esteem, confidence and self-worth.

"We will have an exhibition and are also putting some of the photographs into the annual calendar which will be sold by people affected by homelessness. The calendar is part of the project will help people earn an income and work for themselves." 

Last year’s calendar raised over £5,500 for artists and art groups run by homelessness sector organisations.

Dr Michael Pritchard FRPS, Director-General of The Royal Photographic Society, said: "The Society is pleased to lend its support to Café Art which has had such a positive impact in supporting and working with homeless people. It is well known that art and photography can help raise an individual’s confidence and sense of worth which can be as important as more tangible benefits. This competition will contribute to that as well as raising awareness of the problem of homelessness.

To find out more about Café Art visit www.cafeart.org.uk