Student made NEST magazine had an open call for work on the issue of ‘Class’, and I submitted documentative photographs of a ‘Save Our Schools’ march back home in Lancaster. This was organised by the Lancaster and Morecambe Primary Headteachers Cluster to protest against budget cuts to local schools. Around 2000 people attended, mainly families and teaching staff to voice against the “systematic starvation of funds to the education sector” (as described by school governors). Many primary schools in the area were already underfunded and belittled by the government, but the further cuts were ridiculous and a threat to the education and well-being of school children.
I documented this protest march because I think it is important to have evidence of taking action against unfair decisions made by the government, so that it can be shared to give hope to others affected and to show those who deemed the education of these children unimportant that we won’t stand for it.
This protest march united the working class and middle class people for a common cause; wanting a good education for their children to ensure a better future.
I strongly oppose class inequality and I believe that affects my motivation to document the working class perspective I want to communicate. I do feel that artists should be aware of current issues such as class. I think it should be up to the artist if it bleeds into their practice, depending on the themes of their work. However I often notice more meaningful and impactful work comes from real life issues.
Unfortunately due to budget constraints on publishing this issue of the magazine, as well as exhibiting the work, my photographs were cut from the final edit. I was really disappointed by this because I was excited to see my work published in an issue I am passionate about, but it couldn’t be helped and I shouldn’t let this deter me from submitting work in the future.
oliverclarkephotoppp1 