Joanne puts rural dale women in the frame

A STORYTELLING photographer is hoping to document the struggles of rural women in Teesdale after winning a prestigious award.
Joanne Coates, from Arkengarthdale, has previously covered the trials of fisherman at sea, and is currently following the life of upper dale farmer Paul Johnson, but is shifting focus to women, after winning the Jerwood Art Photoworks Awards.
She was one of only two artists in Britain to win the award in September last year.
The scheme will allow her to work with lower-income women over eight months.
A spokesperson for the awards said: “The artist will shed light on women’s contribution to the farming industry.
“There are underlying barriers such as access to land, class, motherhood, and lack of clear leadership roles.
“Via community engagement, she aims to explore her home soil while unearthing gender bias and societal and political changes.”
However, Ms Coates said she is not only looking at women in the farming sector, but any women in the rural economy, and could include hairdressers in villages or shop-assistants.
She added that the project would be a collaboration in which the women would be invited to workshops where they would learn aspects of photography so they could be part of the process.
The University of the Arts London graduate said: “It will collaboration of me learning about them and their lives and them learning from me. It is not just me documenting them, but for them to have a say.”
She said those who get involved will have their expenses covered for attending workshops and other activities. The project will culminate in an exhibition in London in September, and those involved will be invited for a viewing. For more information about Ms Coates visit joannecoates.co.uk or to get involved email her at hello@joannecoates.co.uk.