We are living in an odd time. A time where history books will be filled with what we are going through, what we have done, and how we handle it. And everyone is going through it differently.
But we are all going through it together.
Kate Middleton is launching a new project in the midst of the pandemic that is very close to her heart. She is spearheading a new photography project that will capture what people in the United Kingdom are going through in the midst of this pandemic.
Working with the National Portrait Gallery, the Duchess is inviting people from all over the U.K. to submit a photographic portrait of what they are going through during the pandemic. The people submitting portraits are also encouraged to write about what they are feeling in the picture.
“We’ve all been struck by some of the incredible images we’ve seen which have given us an insight into the experiences and stories of people across the country,” Kate says in a statement. “Some desperately sad images showing the human tragedy of this pandemic and other uplifting pictures showing people coming together to support those more vulnerable.”
Portraits chosen will be on display starting early this summer in a virtual exhibition that will be called, “Hold Still.”
“’Hold Still’ aims to capture a portrait of the nation, the spirit of the nation, what everyone is going through at this time. Photographs reflecting resilience, bravery, kindness – all those things that people are experiencing.”
The three themes of Hold Still are – Helpers and Heroes; Your New Normal; and Acts of Kindness.
“Even if we are alone, we can all create something together. We are honored to partner with the Duchess of Cambridge on the ‘Hold Still’ project, which will provide an inclusive perspective on, and an important historical record of, these unprecedented times, expressed through the faces of the nation. The National Portrait Gallery reflects the history of Britain through the personal stories of the people who have helped to shape it. We are now inviting each and every person, across every city, town, village and home in the UK, to share their portraits with us in this unique collective endeavour.” said Nicholas Cullinan, Director of the National Portrait Gallery London.
If you are in the UK, will you be submitting a portrait?
We look forward to seeing this exhibition.