Present and Continuous was the result of a twelve month collaborative photography project by artist Liz Wewiora and the Many Hands Craft Collective, an Over-60s group based in Ancoats, Manchester. The project resulted in an exhibition at Manchester Craft and Design Centre and a publication, produced in collaboration with designer Tommy Morrison. From the project’s inception, to the conceptual ideas, production of work, editing and final curation of its public showcase, Present and Continuous aimed to test out photography as a collaborative endeavour. The group decided to focus on what brings them together, discussing age, creative agency and local geography, and why this collective—through its shared passion for craft—now consider themselves an active creative community.

The publication was due to launch physically in April 2020, but due to Covid-19 plans were put on hold. Group members Elaine and Ged are now delighted to share their reflections on the project and the publication in an online discussion with Liz Wewiora, artist and Head of Social Practice at Open Eye Gallery.