Access to the Arts is becoming increasingly narrow. Many
young people struggle to make their voices heard or break into exclusive industries. This can be especially true of photography, where equipment and training can be prohibitively expensive. It’s perhaps never been more important that people of all backgrounds can tell the stories they want to. Whether it’s a photo of a cherished memory, a
beautiful scene or the war photos that changed the way we view the world, photographs have the power to capture the imagination. Smart phones allow photos to be taken everywhere, but developing photographic skills to take a story to the next
level is often out of reach.
Rob knew that as well as anyone. Despite limited funds and being self-taught, he was rarely without his camera and his photos captured
moments that would otherwise have passed unnoticed. He was also a kind and generous person, always happy to share his passion, his skill and his time with others who had a mutual interest.
Rob died unexpectedly at the age of 37 and in his memory we’re raising funds to provide free tuition and loaned equipment to engage young people through workshops, taster sessions and school lunch time clubs. This will be done through the OPEN Youth Trust under the banner “Music Art Study” where Rob’s work can still be seen. Rob created “Music Art Study” to combine his two passions, live music and photography, and he would want others to follow whatever inspires
them. By helping a new generation develop the passion and love of capturing moments, as Rob did, he can live on in their stories and photos, as well as his own.
