Andrew Follows is raising funds to realise his dream of going to Edinburgh Arts Festival in Scotland in August 2012 to present a photographic exhibition, and run a series of workshops for sighted and low vision photographers. “Arts Victoria and other partners are working hard to assist me to have my first solo international exhibition of my work and to conduct workshops concurrently.

Naturally they cannot cover all costs, so I am seeking sponsorship and assistance from interested partners both in Australia and in the UK.” While resident in Edinburgh, Andrew aims to collaborate with established UK organisations for vision impaired photographers, to inform his development of a similar network here in Australia and strengthen the relationship between Australia and the UK creative industries. Photography by blind and vision impaired artists is fast developing into a new and somewhat special genre in the field of contemporary art, however in Australia there are very few opportunities for networking and training in the field of photography. In the UK, there is an established network for artists with disabilities and vision impaired photographers. Going to Scotland will afford Andrew the opportunity to work alongside other vision impaired photographers, thus contributing to his artistic development and establishing international networks for further development in this field of art. It will provide many opportunities for photographers from both countries to exchange their skills and knowledge in this limited and highly specialized field.

Andrew intends to select 20 works from his successful Melbourne exhibitions for inclusion in an exhibition as part of the Edinburgh Art Festival in August 2012. He will also use his time in Scotland to build a new body of work to inform future exhibitions in Melbourne upon his return.

Andrew is also hoping to participate in Sight Village, the largest annual European expo for vision impaired people. Andrew has been collaborating with Australian born Edinburgh based curator Kate Martin who says “I am delighted to assist Andrew with his ambitious residency and exhibition project. Andrew’s project will not only forge exciting new connections between the creative communities in Australia and Scotland, but also inspire people and challenge preconceived ideas about the abilities of blind and partially sighted people and their place within the arts sector. Working with Andrew so far has proved a very enjoyable and enlightening experience and I look forward to welcoming him to the Edinburgh community next year.”

If you wish to help in some way for Andrew, please contact him direct on, Email, andrew@blinkiephotography.com.au

Andrew Follows with his Guide Eamon