How LightKeep Works

Every LightKeep portrait begins with a conversation. Taking part is never a commitment to tell everything, and nothing is published without a separate conversation and clear permission.

01 — First contact
You can contact LightKeep yourself, nominate someone, or get in touch on behalf of a venue or organisation. The first exchange is informal: an opportunity to ask questions, explain any access needs and decide whether a further conversation feels right.

02 — Meeting and listening
Meetings can take place at home or in another familiar, accessible setting. There is no script to learn and nothing formal to prepare. The subject decides what they would like to talk about and what they would prefer to keep private.

03 — Making the portrait and record
Each completed story may include a definitive black-and-white portrait, a companion photograph, a filmed conversation and a written account. These elements are made carefully and at the participant’s pace. A person may take part without needing to use the internet.

04 — Review and permission
Participation is based on informed, continuing consent. Before anything is published or exhibited, LightKeep will discuss what is being used and where it may appear. Questions, corrections and concerns are welcomed. If circumstances change, participants can contact LightKeep to discuss withdrawal before publication.

05 — Sharing the work
The work is intended to be experienced in more than one way: through a public exhibition, physical prints and written records, filmed conversations and a permanent online archive. The aim is that families, residents, schools and researchers can encounter the stories, while the people represented can also hold the work in their hands.

06 — Access and support
Home visits, printed material, large-print information, captions, transcripts and personal support will help make participation possible for people who do not drive, do not use the internet or require another way to engage. Access needs can be discussed privately at any stage.

07 — Learning and legacy
LightKeep will gather feedback from participants, families, visitors and project partners. That learning will shape the exhibition, the archive and future activity. Physical records are intended to remain in the village so that the project’s legacy does not depend on a website alone.

Every conversation is treated with care. Getting in touch creates no obligation to take part.