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24 Hour photography challenge raises funds for Give Us A Lift Campaign

The competition takes place this weekend at Centre 64
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This Saturday, Oct. 21 marks the first annual Photography Challenge at Centre 64, with all proceeds going towards the Give Us A Lift Campaign.

The Give Us A Lift Campaign is an ongoing fundraising initiative for the installation of a platform wheelchair lift to make the theatre at Centre 64 more accessible.

Natalie Skokan of Tree House productions, along with the help at Centre 64, have put together the 24 hour photography competition.

“I am organizing the event along with Centre 64,” Skokan said. “Plus Shona Rubens and Chelsea Boyd Gibson have been super helpful in spreading the word and keeping the momentum (both of whom are competing).”

Skokan says that the fundraiser is an initiative that she feels strongly about.

“I met with Carol as I was wanting to do some events around town,” said Skokan. “She explained how they have been raising money for the Give Us A Lift Campaign. One of my best friends was restricted to a wheelchair so I feel quite strongly that the theatre should be accessible. I offered to throw a fundraiser, and here we are.”

The contest was originally scheduled to take place in September, however the unprecedented wildfire season interrupted their plans.

“We had to postpone it indefinitely due to the wildfires,” said Skokan. “The backcountry was closed and it wasn’t safe for people to be biking outside due to the air quality. I didn’t think we were going to be able to reschedule but there was a lot of enthusiasm from some of the photographers. It’s a bit of a crunch but I think it will work out great.”

The contest has room for 10 photographers and all of the spots are currently filled. Skokan says that local photographers have 24 hours to take all the shots necessary to compile their slideshows, so they will be at the mercy of the weather on Friday. Skokan has her fingers crossed that it’s a nice day.

The theme is based around biking and the wonderful colours of autumn.

“Kimberley has really focused on its trail network, and it being fall, we figured a biking theme is perfect,” Skokan said. “50 per cent of the photos have to have a biking theme to them. Whether it’s mountain biking our awesome trails, road biking the rails to trails, kids playing on bikes, BMXing in the skate park etc. Plus there is the option of close up bike shots, which are always super creative in my opinion. Or just shots of a bike with the beautiful fall colours behind it. It’s really up to the photographer how to use the theme; I’m excited to see what everyone comes up with!”

The submission requirements are for photographers to put together a short slide show of their images. Skokan says that the number of photos included is totally up to the photographer.

“The slideshow is between three to four minutes and can have as many or as few photographs as photographers choose,” she said. “Furthermore, it’s up to their creativity how they form the slideshow - if they want to include music, dialogue etc.”

Photos will be submitted at Centre 64 at 2p.m. with the event taking place at 6:30p.m. Tickets are $15 and are available at Centre 64 or online at kimberleyarts.com.

The top prize of $500 is awarded by a panel of judges, with the prize money donated by Tourism Kimberley. The people’s choice prize is a recreational camera backpack donated by Kootenay Mountain Works and both winners will be featured in the next edition of Go Kimberley magazine.

“Everyone who comes to the event has a vote and it matters,” said Skokan.

There is also a raffle for a Sprout Health Market gift basket. Other sponsors include Big Magic, The Shed and Kimberley City Bakery.

The judges for the event include: Kimberley Mayor, Don McCormick, Chantel Delaney, owner of Sprout Health Market, Bruce Kirkby, wilderness writer and award-winning adventure photographer, Lucas Roach, part owner of Big Magic and an eye for creative genius, Corey Bullock, writer and photographer for the Bulletin, Kieran Hickey, president of Kimberley’s Trail Society and outdoor/mountain biking enthusiast and David Couse, local photographer and community supporter.

Photographers competing include Shona Rubens, Chelsea Boyd Gibson, Nicole Leclair, Courtenay Forster, Pat Bates, Jenny Graburn, Franka Sparks, Paul Rodgers, Bailey Repp and Ryan McKenzie.

For more information contact Skokan at natalie.skokan@gmail.com and check out the 24 Hour Photographers Challenge Facebook page.



Corey Bullock

About the Author: Corey Bullock

Corey Bullock is a multimedia journalist and writer who grew up in Burlington, Ontario.
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