Young adults aged 16-25 are learning skills from top photographers and filmmakers as they document the transformation of Dover's historic Maison Dieu as part of the 'Reawakening the Maison Dieu' Heritage Lottery project.



We were thrilled to facilitate the inaugural photo project during March in Dover Town centre. The legendary Andy Aitchinson led our team of ten participants from the local area, who documented the early stages of the restoration.



One of our young people took a fantastic shot of the 200-year-old stained glass windows in the central section of the church, and another captured the main hall adorned with its beautiful pipe organ

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Going forward, participants will record building work in progress and the conservation of important heritage features, from oil paintings and carved stonework to the re-instatement of Victorian architect William Burges' Neo-gothic decorative scheme.



Positive View has a great track record of transforming young people's lives through the power of photography, with several graduates moving on to high-profile roles in the industry.



Participants will learn a wide range of film and photography skills: from fashion shoots inspired by costumes, to hairstyles and make-up of the Maison Dieu's impressive collection of historic portraits to a 360-degree photography masterclass to create a 'virtual tour'.

There will be training in drone and portrait photography and the chance to build a camera obscura to photograph rooftop buildings.



The workshops will finish with a prestigious exhibition in Dover to showcase the students' work, which will also feature on the Maison Dieu website and in social media.

This innovative cultural photography project was established through a partnership between the Positive View Foundation and Red Bull Sports to give a diverse group of young people opportunities across the photographic industries – with the ultimate aim of creating a deeper pool of talent in the industry, especially amongst creative women.

The Depth of Field project was delivered through professional mentoring and unmissable photography experiences focused on seven of the UK’s most highly popular sporting activities, including: the Rugby 7’s at Twickenham; the Goodwood Festival of Speed; the Silverstone Motorbike Championships, and BMX biking with the current 24-year-old world champion.

Delivered throughout summer 2022, the Depth of Field programme provided young emerging creatives, most of whom had never previously picked up a camera, access and exposure to a sporting world they had never before experienced.