Jude Wacks tells us how her London Borough of Culture photography project brought the local community together in a time of turbulence.
London Borough of Culture is a platform for communities to share stories and celebrate the people that make a place. In 2020, as part of its year as London Borough of Culture, Brent instigated the Brent Biennial, which continues to this day. The borough-wide exhibition places artwork in public areas, libraries, and streets across Brent.
We chatted with Jude Wacks, a Brent-based photographer and activist. Her photography exhibition, A Lifetime's Work, was part of the 2020 Brent Biennial, and celebrates the family businesses of the borough.
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Can you tell us how you came up with the concept?
I needed to capture the future while acknowledging the past. I was intrigued by generational legacies, and John [pictured], my local greengrocer, gave me the idea. He has stood there, at his shop, for fifty years, just as his father did before him. From there, my concept grew, and I began researching other small local businesses similar to his. I started to approach them and then photographed them.
The local high street has changed so much. Your exhibition, in many ways, has become a visual archive. Looking at the street now, how many of the businesses are still there?
Sadly now, with COVID-19 and everything else, many of the businesses I captured are no longer there. Some owners have passed away, or the businesses had to close, which is sad to see. The exhibition archived that time and those businesses. It captures the essence of family-run enterprises and recognises their contribution to their local community.
What was the reception from the local community like?
The local community became really engaged because it was displayed online, it was accessible to everyone. The fact that my project was during COVID-19 lockdowns also made a difference. The shops I highlighted, such as John the Green Grocers, were among the few allowed to remain open. And so the project became a talking point. People waited for the next instalment and then would go into the shops and reference the work. The feedback was really wonderful. It brought people together to celebrate the local community in a time of turbulence and darkness.
Long-standing businesses are the heart and soul of a community. It was wonderful to get funding from London Borough of Culture to honour these people and promote community cohesiveness. My work helped the local community to have a better appreciation for business owners and the challenges they face daily.
If you were speaking to artists interested in applying for London of Borough of Culture funding through their council, what would be your advice?
Nothing gained, nothing lost. To make a difference, you have to put yourself forward.
The application for funding via Brent Council was pretty long, and it can sometimes be difficult to cost activities. Photography is just you and the medium, which can make it difficult to quantify. From what I know there were a number of applicants, so I am very grateful for the opportunity. I think my idea spoke to them and embodied what they wanted to do with the 2020 exhibition. Because it was pretty new, everyone is learning on the job from the previous borough. It's a journey for everyone. But yes, my advice is to stick with it, believe in your project and apply!
Check out Jude Wacks’ work online, and find out about the Brent Biennal, which returns in 2024.
London Borough of Culture can be a catalyst to highlight local stories and heritage. Find out more about how the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture programme is open for councils to bid to be the next to hold the Title Award.