A Luta Continua

A new exhibition, entitled A Luta Continua (The Struggle Continues), opened at The Side Gallery in Newcastle upon Tyne today.

The Side Gallery opened in 1977 and specialises in social  documentary photography . It hosts world class exhibitions and has an extensive archive.

A  Luta Continua displays work from the Side's archive about political struggles from places as far afield as Burma, Chile, China and Nicaragua and includes work from Dean Chapman,  Susan Meiselas, Manuel Alvarez Bravo, Casasola, Chris Steele-Perkins, Raymond Depardon, Abbas, Keith Pattison, Mark Power & Paul Lowe. 

Dean Chapman introduced the exhibition and gave an informative talk about his practice and his experience of Burma (now Myanmar).

The Side's future, sadly,  is under threat, as it found out this week that it is losing financial support from the Arts Council of England (ACE). 

The Side is the only social documentary photography gallery  in the UK and it is  also a gem in Newcastle's cultural crown so it would be a great loss, both locally and nationally, if it were forced to close its doors. 

Should any readers like to support the Side you can do so by signing this online:  petition. ( click link). Thank you in anticipation of your support.