A photographic exhibition designed to have a ‘Ripple Effect’ on the local community opened to the public on Monday 4th November at Lancaster Central Library and Lancaster University Library. Due to popular demand the exhibition's stay at Lancaster Central Library in market square has been extended into the new year and a further exhibition at Heysham Library will follow.

Ripple Effects Morecambe Bay is a collaboration between Ripple Effects International, Global Link, the Ernest Cook Trust’s Blue Influencer Programme, local libraries and Morecambe Bay Curriculum (MBC).

The exhibition celebrates the photos and thoughts of children and young people aged 8 to18 living across the Morecambe Bay. Due to popular demand the exhibition's stay at Lancaster Central Library in market square has been extended into the new year. Pop by to see a selection of the winning entries, and those with ‘honourable mentions’, chosen by a youth-led judging panel.

On November 5th, winners were invited to a special celebration hosted at Lancaster University, where Lancaster Arts gave an exclusive tour of their new exhibition Monster Chetwynd, Christopher Stewart, Norman Adams: Swoop Swirl Swarm and pupils saw their work exhibited for the first time in Lancaster University Library.

1st Place Winner, Harlem Karma (above) said of his work, 'Taken in the early hours of the morning along the mist shrouded canal, the photo in my eyes gives off a very moody feeling, staying true to the hauntingly beautiful atmosphere I myself felt at the time of photographing this image. In my opinion, the photo shows a darker side of the lancaster canal, which the average dog walker or cyclist wouldn't typically see.'

The photographic competition has been inspired by a sister competition in Louisville, Kentucky, where the library encourages young people to explore their local waterways and the things they care about. This project has been replicated in South Africa, Australia and now here in Morecambe Bay. In December, at the invitation of Professor Bronwyn Williams and Professor Mary Brydon-Miller from the University of Louisville, Ripple Effects winners from both sides of the pond plan to meet online and discuss their winning works.

Miranda Stearn, Curator at Lancaster Arts leads an exciting zine-making session after an exclusive tour of Monster Chetwynd, Christopher Stewart, Norman Adams: Swoop Swirl Swarm

3rd Place Winner, Molly said, I like the absence of artificial sound when I am on water, and sometimes lose track of time being enveloped by nature. I enjoy seeing the broad spectrum of colours on the water. It makes me feel calm and at peace. It also makes me feel fragile and very present in the moment.

Winners Harlem, Darcie, Josh, Ishaaq and Molly visiting their work at Lancaster University Library

Thank you to all parties who made Ripple Effects Morecambe possible!