Divinity Road Food store becomes part of Artsweek Exhibition in Oxford
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Published 23 May 2022 in Communities
We do lots of activities within our communities but one we are highlighting today is very unique. Earlier this month, local Oxford photographer, Martin Stott, joined forces with Divinity Road Food store to host the ‘We are Divinity Road’ photo exhibition. A celebration of diversity collaborating the local community and its history, it was part of the exclusive Artsweek Exhibition in Oxford.
The background
Back in 2006, a market research company named Divinity Road as the street with the widest range of household incomes in England. Local photographer, Martin Stott, who has lived on the street for 30 years, had an idea and began capturing images of over 120 households highlighting the issues of wealth, poverty, class, race, and gender. This incredible photo library then led to the creation of the ‘We Are Divinity Road’ exhibition.
Martin Stott, Divinity Road Photographer
Oxfordshire Artsweeks
Fast forward to 2022 where Martin has now become part of the Oxfordshire Artsweeks exhibition.
Martin mentions “I always thought the most interesting things often happen on your own doorstep, which is why I wanted to explore my local area and get to know my neighbours more. The project was about giving people on the road a reason to talk to one another, as well as creating a slice of social history in the making.
The photographs give a real insight into people’s lives, and while it has primarily been about capturing the residents here, it also showcases the diversity in our community. It’s been great fun doing this project and I am really excited to see what the public think!”
Have a look at a few of the photos below:
How our store was involved
As well as the street, there were many shots of our Divinity Road Food store and our colleagues, so it gave a real perception into what goes on in everyday life at Divinity Road! Capturing people’s lives, the residents and diversity within the community.
Martin said “The Co-op store on Divinity Road is outside where I exhibited for Artweeks and is a real hub for the community. So, it was really important that the pictures were displayed right here in the street.”
Colleague Farooq Tariq, Store Manager at Divinity Road said “Martin’s work is a wonderful exploration of Divinity Road and really showcases the strong sense of community on the street despite people’s different backgrounds. It’s been a pleasure to host his exhibition at our store and I’m sure it’ll be a brilliant talking point over the weekend for all the colleagues, residents and those passing by.”
If you would like to find out more and view the full set of images click here.