As part of our new line of activity in North Yorkshire, Art Licks commissioned artist Ellie Robinson-Carter to run her project Together Apart | The Photobook Project. Funded by Ryedale District Council’s Creative Economy Grant, and working in partnership with local organisation Next Steps, Together Apart presented photographs and writings by project participants, during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In spring 2021, Ellie sent eleven Next Steps members, activity boxes that included a single-use camera with which to take a daily photo of something important to them. Each participant selected themes under which to document their experiences, such as ‘Beyond My Garden Gate’ to ‘Home Sweet Home’. The project created an alternative means for connection, creativity, documentation and group activity over this time when we all had to be apart.

Ellie then created a new series of Photobooks, one for each project participant, which were exhibited alongside a series of prints from the project. From taking local walks, visiting the sea, and day-to-day routines, the exhibition offered an insight into the lives of these Ryedale residents during a unique period in recent history. 

Together Apart was presented across the following spaces:

Tuesday 31 August, 12–3pm at Next Steps
7 Church St, Norton, Malton, YO17 9HP

Wednesday 1 September, 4–7pm at Farndale Village Hall
Mackeridge Lane, Church Houses, Farndale, YO62 7LE

Thursday 2 September, 3-5pm at Helmsley Arts Centre
1 Meeting House Court, Helmsley, YO62 5DW

With thanks to Ryedale District Council and Next Steps

Images: Farndale Folk; Me and My Dog; Vitamin Sea; Beyond My Garden Gate; Wool ’n’ Wool; At Peace, Together Apart | The Photobook Project, 2021