Blues Eye View was an interactive community photographic project which documented the impact and culture of The 10th Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival in Colne, Lancashire in August 1999.

Blues Eye View was conceived and developed by Frances Spencer and Andrew Turner of Earth and Stone, and Gary Hood the Festival Organiser.

The project was supported by Pendle Council, The Arts Unit at Lancashire County Council and local businesses, and received invaluable assistance from Action Factory and Mid Pennine Arts.

100 disposable cameras were given out during the Festival to artists, backstage staff, audience members, Council workers, trades people and local residents. Each photographer was given a "trigger" word and asked to capture the essence of the Festival,

"How it makes you feel, and how it affects, and possibly alters, your life."

In addition to creating a unique view of the Festival, the project set out to engender an increased interest in photography and facilitate an artistic contribution by those who would otherwise not have had the opportunity.

75 cameras were returned, providing over 1500 images, many of high quality and wide ranging appeal.

The images displayed here are representative of the collection as a whole, but do not necessarily represent the "best" or "most artistic". Instead, they have been chosen to demonstrate the breadth of creativity and subject matter.
However, the organisers of "Blues Eye View" would like to extend their thanks and congratulations to all those who took part and made the project a resounding success.

• Colne Library Gallery
  Market Street,
  Colne, Lancashire
  Saturday 5th August - Thursday 24th August 2000
• Pendle Leisure Centre Café
  Albert Road,
  Colne, Lancashire
  Friday 25th August - Monday 28th August 2000