Exhibition launches to highlight the people behind Cornwall's "housing crisis"
The exhibition is sharing stories to break the stigma of housing insecurity
A new exhibition sharing people's stories with housing insecurity across Cornwall has launched to raise awareness of the Duchy's "housing crisis".
The indoor and outdoor exhibition, launching across almost 40 locations, highlights the struggles of 70 people across the county who've had experiences with housing insecurity or homelessness since the start of the pandemic.
It shares stories of people living on the streets or in cars or vans, facing eviction, sofa-surfing or living with extended family in cramped conditions.
Helen Trevaskis is part of StreetDraw24, the project lead for the People. and works alongside photographer Gavan Goulder. She said: “People. taps into the unique power of the portrait and of people’s own words to tell an important story about the struggles with housing so many people are facing in Cornwall right now.
"The outdoor exhibition - which is only happening because individuals and organisations stepped up and said they wanted to be a part of this - reminds us of what we can do when we work together".
First launching outside at the Eden Project Sleep Out, the project will be rolled out across various locations in Cornwall, hoping to challenge stereotypes of homelessness and support adults and young people in Cornwall facing a loss of hope.
One of the locations, where the exhibition will be shown inside, is at the Royal Cornwall Museum.
Jonathan Morton, Chief Executive Officer at Royal Cornwall Museum – home to the indoor exhibition – said: “The work that St Petrocs does to end homelessness in Cornwall is of particular importance especially in the current climate.
“The project has beautifully communicated and raised awareness of those around us who are experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness. We are proud to host the portraits of those individuals involved in the project".
Henry Meacock, Chief Executive Officer of St Petrocs, said: ““The People. Project Cornwall is a wonderful demonstration of how we are all individuals but that we are part of the collective.
“Through the combination of portrait photography and the careful curation of personal stories, the project has created a legacy of a point in time that I hope will inspire change. We must listen to the voices of our community.”
A St Petrocs client featured in the People. exhibition, who has asked to remain anonymous, said: “Why do people have this stigma around homelessness that says people that ended up homeless are worthless? Something needs to be done to highlight this because there are some intelligent and useful people to society who end up homeless. You’d like people to treat you with a bit of dignity if you found yourself in that position.”
Kerry Blewett-Hill, Activities & Outreach Coordinator at Jubilee Pool – one of the Cornwall businesses hosting an outdoor portrait – said: “Much of the work we do here at the Pool is to benefit the community. This exhibition highlights a part of Penzance and the wider Cornish community that is often overlooked - which is why we were really keen to support the People. Project, to shine a light and bring attention to ever growing homelessness in our communities.”
Rebecca Ryder, from St Day, is one of the members of the public who has volunteered to host one of the portraits. She said: “'I think it’s a beautiful idea, very clever and of great value. There is a hidden aspect to homelessness across the country, not just Cornwall, and this project offers the opportunity for a wider discussion instead of the usual stereotyping.'
A book will be published following the exhibition, with a copy due to be archived at Kresen Kernow - Cornwall’s historical archive and the National Library, to mark the severity of the situation so many people in Cornwall find themselves caught up in right now.
You can find out more information on the project on their website.