Fundraising campaign to create display of stunning photos of Portsmouth key workers in Cascades Shopping Centre

Milton-based photographer Femi Olaiya has spent the past few months capturing stunning images of nurses, postal workers, police officers, teachers and more.

His Portsmouth Heroes Project to recognise the hard work and sacrifices of key workers throughout the pandemic is due to go on display in Cascades Shopping Centre - but public donations are needed to make this a reality.

Femi said: ‘In the last four or five months I have met and photographed amazing people across nine services within the city.

‘My aim when I started this project was to use my photography to connect people and create images that will make a positive impact on the community in these difficult times we are in and there is no better time to showcase the images than during Christmas.’

Following donations from The Partnership Foundation and Stagecoach, whose workers feature in the display, Femi needs to crowdfund around £1,500 to print and display the images in a shop unit in Cascades.

Once the money has been raised, the images will go on display just before Christmas and should be exhibited for at least a month.

Friends and family have shown their support for the Nigerian-born photographer’s latest work, as well as support from Shaping Portsmouth, Hive Portsmouth and the city council.

Femi said: ‘I have also had support from Annabel Innes, an art curator and graphics designer who is working closely with me to organise the exhibition, Tim Raw, Tosin Adefila my photography assistant and the list goes on.’

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He added: ‘I didn’t expect all of this. It feels great because it gives me the feeling that the work is valued and people love it.

‘This is something personal for me to honour and appreciate the key workers in my own little way and now it’s grown into something much bigger.

‘It makes me feel even more at home in Portsmouth. I have been here for 12 years, I love Portsmouth so much and being able to do something that positively impacts the community is brilliant for me.’

Visit crowdfunder.co.uk/pompey-heroes-project to pledge a donation towards the project, with various rewards available including postcards designed by Femi.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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