To better profile ourselves in the wider photography scene outside of university, we have come together to take our first steps as working artists under the collective name SoftBox. SoftBox is an Edinburgh based photography collective, online resource and forum that enables artists to engage with other lens based practitioners both locally in Edinburgh and throughout the world. We are an innovative group of students whose practice is constantly evolving, with many of us embracing both traditional analogue techniques as well as new media to push and expand the boundaries of what photography is today.

              

We have a strong following on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr and engage with not only our own, but others’ practice through them. We have already put on three very successful exhibitions in Edinburgh. Our first exhibition, Subject to the Elements, had over 250 visitors from a wide ranging demographic on the opening night and a Public Crit that was sponsored by Walkers Shortbread and was very well responded to and attended. Our second successful exhibition Blue Grass, an exhibition that dealt with the complex levels of our environmental domain, was held at the established Edinburgh gallery Whitespace. The third exhibition, The Human Condition, was held at another prominent gallery The Old Ambulance Depot with a visitor turnout that far exceeded our previous shows with representatives from other acclaimed Edinburgh galleries such as Stills, Fruitmarket Gallery, Summer Hall and Talbot Rice in attendance. To embrace a new challenge and push ourselves we also have a pop-up exhibition lined up at an NCP car park in May.

                        

 

THE MEMBERS

 

   

Alice Burden - www.aliceburden.tumblr.com

Anastasios Gaitanos - http://www.anastasiosgaitanos.com/

Billie Kate Dryden - www.billiekatedryden.tumblr.com

Elizabete Rancane - www.elizabeterancane.com

Hannah Killoh -www.hannahkilloh.com

Heidi Voss - www.heidivossphotography.tumblr.com/

Loren Stuart - www.lorenstuart.tumblr.com

Monika Grabowska - http://monikagrabowska.carbonmade.com/

Selina Kearney - http://selinakearney.blogspot.co.uk/

Stella Heath Keir - www.stellaheathkeir.tumblr.com

Tiu Makkonen - http://tiu-tiu.blogspot.com/

SOFTBOX MEMBER TESTIMONIALS  

 “Five years ago, trudging through the same grey snows and pressing Nordic darkness day after day, I could never have imagined being where I am now, about to graduate from a top art school in the UK and prepping for a big show in London. The photography scene in my home country Finland is great, but I felt like I wanted something different - by having the opportunity to study, work and exhibit internationally, I now feel confident about forging a photographic career that can take me anywhere.”

Tiu Makkonen. 23 years old. Helsinki, Finland.

“Having the experience to exhibit work at The Free Range Art and Design Show would be an exhilarating, life changing opportunity. Showcasing alongside contemporary graduates within my creative field will be an invaluable way to gain contacts and expertise that will help me develop as a young artist and photographer.”

Stella Heath Keir. 21 years old. London, UK.

“I came to Scotland to study photography. From the moment I started my education I worked hard to fulfill my ambitions and future aspirations of becoming a successful photographer. Graduation is now fast approaching and it is time to undertake steps to ensure a good start for myself in the vast and exciting photography industry. Free Range is a great opportunity to show work to a wider audience and with a lot of hard graft and a bit of luck to be noticed by a potential employer. With your help we can make this happened.”

Monika Grabowska. 27 years old. Olsztyn, Poland.
 

Whilst displaying our work at the ECA degree show is a proud occasion, we want to bring it further. We want to hang our work alongside UK graduates at the nation’s biggest degree show, The Free Range Show, in London; one of the top 3 cities for photography in the world. Not only would this be the optimum conclusion to our time at University, but also a crucial beginning to our careers in such a competitive field. London is typically where many students relocate to try to professionally establish themselves, and I will be no exception. Being part of this showcase will put us in direct contact with some of the biggest names in photography. This is not just a great opportunity, but the opportunity.

Selina Kearney. 29 years old. Galway, Ireland.

 

 

PUBLIC TESTIMONIALS ABOUT PAST EXHIBITIONS

  

"The striking feature of The Human Condition was that these particular students knew exactly what they wanted to give. The show offered work from a diverse range of subject matters and photographic techniques with no one work overpowering the others.  With all bases covered, portraiture, still life and landscape, there was something to intrigue and interest everyone. The professional curation and resolution of the exhibition clearly represents the intent of these students; to continually present photography at its highest possible quality. Additional funding would see this group of photographers go from strength to strength building on the fantastic work being produced by these students."

Thomas Anderson. Summer Hall, Gallery Information Assistant, Edinburgh.

"As a graduate of the ECA photography programme and Assistant Curator, The Royal Scottish Academy Collections Dept, I have seen this brilliant group of young artists build this collective from its inception. Most collectives come and go, yet SoftBox has grown from strength to strength and is a testament to the hard work of all involved.

SoftBox, has an incredibly loyal following, kept up to date by the brilliant efforts of the digitally savvy team. The exhibition's I have seen have been intriguing, thoughtful and well curated. The exciting programmes of events that accompany the exhibitions are aways an enjoyable and the discourse stimulating.

Based on the standard of the work displayed and the determination and hard work of those involved I know this collective will grow from strength to strength. They have my wholehearted support!"

Michael de Massey. Assistant Curator, The Royal Scottish Academy Collections Dept, Edinburgh. 

 

EDINBURGH COLLEGE OF ART LECTURER TESTIMONIALS

 

"As the Photography Programme Director at Edinburgh College of Art/Edinburgh University, I can wholeheartedly endorse the activities of the SoftBox Collective. Theirs is an innovative group initiative, providing a valuable contribution to the exploration of vital issues in contemporary culture.

SoftBox has already established an impressive track record proved by thier organisational skills and the ability to disseminate work via exhibition and social media.

I wish all involved the very best with this inspired project, one which I am sure will extend well into the future and continue to challenge and inspire in equal measure."

David Williams. Head of Photography Department.
 

"SoftBox are a focused and determined group of fourth year students who have so far organised and curated three very successful student shows. They have worked hard to create a reputation within the Edinburgh art scene and will thrive on the challenge on putting on an engaging and dynamic show in London. I have every faith that they will - true to form - create a great exhibition, both visually and conceptually."

Susanne Ramsenthaler. Photography Lecturer.

 

WHAT YOUR MONEY WILL HELP TO PAY FOR

The total cost of the exhibition is £7500. We have already secured £1000 from Edinburgh College of Art but are looking for help to raise the other £6500. We will all be personally investing a lot of time, money and passion into this project but would love the support of the wider community in helping secure our vision and maximize our exposure.

There are a lot of components that go into making a great exhibition. Your help will go directly to the funding of:

- Rental Of The Exhibition Space And Damage Insurance = £4046

- Subsidizing Travel From Edinburgh To London (Both Ways) For 11 Series Of Framed/Mounted Works - Van Hire  = £854

Partitions = £600

- Publicity Material = £2000

1500 Catalogues

250 Posters

500 Flyers

500 each x Individual Photographer Contact Postcards

If you feel you can help us in other ways through sponsorship, mentoring or assisting this project development please get in touch at .

 

WHAT YOU GET BACK IN RETURN

Depending on what you choose to donate you will receive any or all of the below.

- We will put either your Name/Company Name on our Facebook header, Twitter and sponsor page on our Website.

- You will be sent one or two high quality photographic screen savers of an image produced by one of the artist you sponsor.

- You will have a special mention in our catalogue produced for The Free Range Show.

- You will receive between two - twelve unique postcards from the 12 artists exhibiting.

- We will send you one - three A3 poster with individual photographers’ prints on them.

- You will receive a bespoke altered film.

- You will also receive one - three 8x10 photographic prints.

- Everyone who sponsors us is invited to all future exhibitions.

Thank you so much for your donation! No matter how large or small, you are helping to fulfill our dreams.

 

OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP US

Please help us by spreading the word about our exhibition!

After pledging your support please help us by recommending our cause to friends, associates and organisations by sharing this link through Facebook, Twitter or email. 

For updates please join us on

 www.facebook.com/SoftBoxPhotoCollective

 www.twitter.com/SoftBox_Photo