Photo North – Northern Photographic Centre

Photo North – According to the strategy adopted by the Northern Photographic Centre in 2021, the centre emphasizes long-term commitment, social sustainability, and ecological responsibility in its operations and decision-making, and actively promotes a responsible working culture within the field of contemporary art. It believes in transparency and the open sharing of knowledge capital. Photo North actively maintains dialogue with other actors in the field on the structures and operating conditions of the art world, while at the same time strengthening the sense of community within the field of photographic art. Through its exemplary practices, Photo North advocates for improving the societal position of artists.

Photo North is a nationally and internationally respected and sought-after partner that operates across multiple platforms and engages new generations and target groups in discovering photographic art and its emerging forms.

To define practical measures for responsibility, Photo North has drawn on the goals of the UN Agenda 2030 action programme. At present, Photo North’s activities correspond to the following goals:

No poverty: All Photo North exhibitions and events are free of charge to the public. The photographic centre pays its employees and interns salaries in line with professional recommendations and also offers volunteers the opportunity to be part of the community.

Good health and well-being: Photo North provides cultural services that have been shown to have positive health impacts. Through its low-threshold activities, it also aims to reach people who do not typically engage with art. The centre’s local activities reach and invigorate people of all ages and income levels. Photo North pays attention to and allocates resources for workplace well-being in the arts sector, which traditionally has very limited resources for promoting employee well-being.

Quality education: Photo North is involved in producing art education projects that support learning for lower secondary school students, which can later be adapted into educational materials for exhibition visitors. In addition, Photo North provides training for its staff, for example on issues related to sustainable development.

Gender equality: Themes of equality, diversity, and anti-racism are an integral part of the curatorial work of Photo North’s exhibitions. Staff aim to treat one another and the public with respect and equality, avoiding harmful preconceptions. Safer space principles are applied in the centre’s events and activities.

Decent work: Photo North offers internship and work-trial opportunities for students and unemployed jobseekers. As an employer, Photo North takes care of its employees by, for example, providing workplace well-being services and flexibility in arranging working conditions in various ways.

Industry, innovation, and infrastructure: Photo North’s galleries and event venues are located in easily accessible areas along routes served by pedestrian, cycling, and public transport. In addition, the centre seeks to organize travel, accommodation, and transportation for artists, staff, and artworks using the most environmentally friendly options available.

Reduced inequalities: Photo North’s gallery spaces are located in public and accessible venues where anyone can experience art as part of everyday life. Exhibition curatorial processes place strong emphasis on equality, diversity, anti-racism, and regional representation. The centre also strives to consider diversity in staff recruitment and in the composition of the association’s board.

Sustainable cities and communities: Photo North creates community-driven projects and involves residents and community members in producing the content of its projects.

Responsible consumption: Photo North aims to purchase and/or procure products and services that are sustainable, eco-labelled, energy-efficient, and low-emission. The centre also seeks to minimize waste generated by its activities and to favor energy-efficient exhibition infrastructure.

Climate action; life below water and on land: Photo North strives to monitor and reduce its carbon footprint and requires climate-friendly practices from its subcontractors as well. For example, wastewater generated during exhibition installations is collected and treated appropriately, and hazardous waste such as lamps and batteries is taken to recycling facilities.

Peace, justice, and strong institutions: Photo North does not collaborate with parties that support war or violence or violate human rights. The centre also critically examines and actively develops art administration practices. For example, it addresses unhealthy pay practices in the field by paying salaries in accordance with professional recommendations and by focusing on workplace well-being.

Partnerships for the goals: Photo North participates in joint responsibility initiatives and campaigns across the arts sector and selects partners and companies that promote sustainable development.