from Hannah Fletcher:
The Sustainable Darkroom Project
Just over a year ago I set up The Sustainable Darkroom Project, an artist run research, training and mutual learning programme, to equip cultural practitioners with new skills and knowledge to develop an environmentally friendly photographic darkroom practice.
In April I coordinated and lead a residency as part of The Sustainable Darkroom Project, for which I successfully gained Arts Council funding for. The residency was 1 month long and due to take place at Guest Projects; a space run by Yinka Shonibare Studio. At short notice I had to restructure the format of the residency and translate it to take place online.
The move to an online format did not hinder the incredible energy that was thrown into this project by all participants and contributors, with artists across the country meeting every morning to share their research and critiques surrounding what it means to work towards a more sustainable photographic practice.
Much of the work and research produced over the month is available to view on the London Alternative Photography Collective’s website and social medias. I will also be releasing a second publication including some of the recipes, ideas and discussions later in the year.
As a result of The Sustainable Darkroom developments, I have developed a workshop series designed to educate students, institutions and individuals towards developing a more environmentally conscious photographic practice and environment. If you would like more information on this workshop series, please drop me an email.
image: Film developed in facto-fermented wild garlic-based developer.