A new photography competition in the north east of Scotland aims to shine a light on unique perspectives of Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Arts Centre has teamed up with the photography department at North East Scotland College (NESCol) for the competition, on the theme of ‘Light in the Dark’ – encouraging amateur photographers to find moments of joy and light in the Granite City during the darker winter months.
Entries will be open in two categories – 18+ and Young People (17 & Under). The top three entries in each category will be exhibited in Aberdeen Arts Centre, while those placed first will also win family tickets to Aberdeen Arts Centre’s 2025 pantomime, Robin Hood.
To enter, photographers should email their entries to info@aberdeenartscentre.com by 11.59pm on Sunday, February 2, 2025. Full terms and conditions can be found on Aberdeen Arts Centre’s website at aberdeenartscentre.com/lightinthedark.
Steve Smith, photography lecturer at NESCol, will judge the competition. He said: “The theme of ‘Light in the Dark’ is a reminder that even during the darkest times of the year, there is beauty to be found if we look for it.
“Photography is a powerful tool for capturing these moments of light, joy and connection, and this competition is a chance for everyone – whether taking photos with a camera or a phone – to explore their creativity.
“Art and photography belong to all of us, and I’m excited that we are working with Aberdeen Arts Centre to see how people of all ages and backgrounds interpret this theme, shining a spotlight on Aberdeen’s unique character.”
The competition forms part of Aberdeen Arts Centre’s wider Creative Learning programme, providing participation opportunities for the local community across a range of artistic disciplines.
Aberdeen Arts Centre’s creative director, Amy Liptrott, said: “Winter’s darkness often challenges our spirits, yet it’s within this very darkness that light, beauty, and joy can emerge most profoundly. Our ‘Light in the Dark’ photography competition invites individuals of all ages and backgrounds to discover and capture these illuminating moments in Aberdeen.
“At Aberdeen Arts Centre, we are deeply committed to making art accessible to everyone through our Creative Learning and Artist Development programmes.
“We are delighted to partner with NESCol for this competition to inspire a sense of community and creativity, reminding us all that even in the darkest times, there is light to be found and shared.”
Aberdeen Arts Centre is an independent arts venue and registered charity in the heart of Aberdeen. For over 60 years, it has played a crucial role in the north east’s vibrant arts scene through its programme of performances, Creative Learning Programme for children and adults, and an Artist Development Programme to support local professional creatives.
The venue encompasses a 350-seater auditorium; café bar; flexible spaces for performances, events, exhibitions and meetings; and the Children’s Theatre, opened in the 1950s as a pioneering youth theatre and now used as a vital resource for professional artist development.
For more information, visit www.aberdeenartscentre.com or follow Aberdeen Arts Centre on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube at @AberdeenArtsCentre.
