Photography Gallery Preserving Working-Class Stories Secures New Future After Devastating Closure
A cherished gallery that spent decades capturing the authentic stories and everyday moments of working-class communities through photography has found a lifeline after being forced to close its doors.
Side, established by the Amber film and photography collective in 1977, devoted itself to documenting and honouring the lived experiences of people across north-east England through powerful photographic exhibitions. The Newcastle gallery became a vital cultural space, using the lens to give voice and visibility to communities often overlooked by mainstream arts institutions.
However, in April 2023, Side was compelled to close following devastating funding cuts and mounting pressures from the cost of living crisis. While supporters held onto hope for a reopening, those plans were reluctantly abandoned in December.
Now, there's renewed optimism as Side embarks on a new chapter. The gallery will establish a curatorial office at Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead, with both organisations collaborating to bring future photographic exhibitions to life and continue Side's important legacy of documenting the region's people and their stories through the power of photography.
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