Private renters photo exhibition reaches Glasgow

An exhibition of photographs depicting, powerful, profound and light-hearted views of what it is like to rent privately in Scotland arrives in Glasgow’s Mitchell Library on Monday afternoon.

We brought in arts group Open Aye to give cameras and training in photography to people who rent their homes privately so tenants could show what matters to them.

The images and captions from the photo-voice project are a snapshot of the opinions of renters on what makes a privately rented property feel homely or not.

The exhibition at the Mitchell Library is open to all and private tenants are also invited to stop for a conversation café between 2pm and 4pm on Monday 19th June where they can talk about the housing issues they have faced.

The event is part of work funded by the Oak Foundation.

James Battye, our Private Renting Project Manager said:

“It can be difficult for private renters to speak out about the issues that affect them. This project has allowed people to have their say in a different way. We want to take private tenants’ views and put them directly to decision-makers. This project is a small but significant step in that direction. I look forward to meeting renters in Glasgow.”

Among those whose photographs will be on display are members of our private tenants’ group and representatives from LGBT Youth Scotland who can find themselves up against discrimination of top of high rents and scarcity of suitable homes.

James Battye added:

These images are just a glimpse at the issues faced by the 250,000 households who rely on privately rented properties for housing. It’s a way of showing what needs to change to make it an option that people actively choose because it delivers good homes.”

The exhibition of photographs will run until the 26th of June.