Becoming a CIC
Why We Became a Community Interest Company (CIC)
In 2024, we made an important decision: to establish ourselves as a Community Interest Company (CIC). But why a CIC? The short answer is that it opens doors for funding opportunities, enabling us to sustain and grow our mission. However, there’s much more to it than that. Becoming a CIC also reflects our deep commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive community for everyone with an interest in photography—whether academic, professional, amateur, or simply curious about the art form.
Building a Community Beyond Photography
As we reflect on the success of the 2024 festival, one of the key takeaways was that photography, while central, was only part of what made the event truly special. What really stood out was the power of connection. Beyond the stunning images and creative works, it was the sense of community that made the festival unique. We saw photographers, students, and enthusiasts from all walks of life come together to share, learn, and form lasting connections.
In today’s fast-paced, digital-first world, many of us experience feelings of isolation, especially freelancers who work alone. One of the most consistent pieces of feedback from our 2024 festival participants was how much they valued the personal connections they made—not just during the event, but in the weeks and months that followed. These new friendships and networks provided a much-needed sense of support and belonging, especially in an era when mental health and wellness have never been more important.
The key takeaway? In this digital age, real-world, human connections matter more than ever. Whether you’re a business owner, an artist, or a photographer, working in isolation can be draining. We believe that creative work, particularly in the visual arts, should be a shared experience—a space for collaboration, growth, and inspiration.
Our Values as a CIC
Establishing ourselves as a CIC has allowed us to pause and carefully reflect on our core values and the role we wish to play in the photographic community. We want to be distinct—not only from other local arts organisations but also in the way we approach photography and film. Our mission is to build a platform where everyone—whether you’re an emerging photographer, a seasoned professional, or simply someone with a passion for the art—can feel welcome and supported.
The festival we launched in 2024 was just the beginning. We’re proud that it helped create a space where people from all backgrounds, skill levels, and perspectives could come together. And we’re committed to ensuring that our future events continue to encourage this inclusivity, embracing all formats and disciplines within photography, and ensuring that everyone has something valuable to learn, no matter their experience level.
Our goal is to nurture an environment where everyone can grow together, from amateurs to seasoned photographers. We want to break down the barriers between these groups and create a space where knowledge is freely shared, and ideas can flourish. No matter where you’re starting from, we believe that the collective experience and diverse perspectives of a community can only make us stronger.
What’s Next for Us as a CIC?
As a CIC, we are committed to reinvesting our profits and resources back into the community—whether through workshops, exhibitions, mentorship programs, or simply providing more opportunities for creative exchange. We’re not just here to host events; we’re here to build something lasting and meaningful for the photographic community.
We are excited about the future and what we can offer in terms of access, opportunity, and support. Whether you’re a photographer looking to exhibit your work, a student eager to learn, or a professional searching for new collaborations, we’re here to make that happen. Photography is a powerful tool for bringing people together, and we want to ensure that everyone who wants to be part of this community has a chance to get involved.
If you’d like to learn more about our CIC mission and values, we invite you to read our full CIC statement