24X24 DUNKERQUE

22-24.10.2025

This week we worked with @medecinsdumonde (MdM) in two settings. On Wednesday we joined the mobile clinic in the field, where a small group of children found rhythm and playful creativity, alongside adults and small family groups waiting to see the doctor.

On Thursday, we presented “24X24 DUNKERQUE @esa_dunkerque.tourcoing - our Exhibition of Photographs taken across 24 hours in June 2025 in & around the northern France city of Dunkerque. Using the same 24 photo prompts, 30 single-use analogue cameras were handed to: people on the move (refugees), the MdM mobile clinic team, and art students & staff from @esa_dunkerque.tourcoing.

In spite of Storm Benjamin with high winds & lashing rain, people travelled from as far as Lille and Paris. The project offered a rich platform for interactions when people viewed the work. All who had participated in taking photos had responded to the prompts uniquely, while those present delighted in finding their images in the mix.

Visual conversations were enabled between the 3 participating communities. Even though the photographers from amongst people on the move weren’t physically there, their presence was very much felt. Pertinent themes were humour; social justice through the visual juxtaposition of images; our similarities and differences; and hope.

Beautifully curated by artist Aida Silvestri with Art Refuge, we were also joined by our Paris team @naomipress @katefrance. Alongside the exhibition, we set up The Community Table & large world map, followed by a seminar with speakers from Art Refuge & MdM. With particular thanks for funding from @medecinsdumonde, & @phoebedingwall and Esā for supporting the vision, exhibition & reception. Esa’s Director spoke of the importance of socially engaged art practice within this setting but also of bridging from France across to the UK.

We now plan to take a mobile version of 24X24 on our next trip with the MdM mobile clinic for exhibition both on the outside and inside of the psychosocial activities van - to be seen & enjoyed by people on the move in the Dunkirk area of northern France.

Words by Bobby Lloyd, Aida Silvestri & Miriam Usiskin.