“Through Our Eyes, In Our Words” is more than an exhibition — it’s the culmination of collaboration, creativity, and community. Built from the lived experiences of middle to older aged LGBT+ people and people with learning disabilities, the exhibition transforms rich research data into a visual and emotional journey. But what brought this project to life was the unique partnership between researchers, community members, and the creative expertise of the University of Dundee School of Health Sciences and the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (DJCAD).
The exhibition grew out of the IncludeAge research project, a collaborative research initiative funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, exploring themes of ageing, belonging, and inclusion. The research, led by the University of Dundee, was developed hand-in-hand with community organisations and, crucially, with people who live experiences of inclusion and exclusion daily. Participants and co-researchers became constructors of information as well as creators, photographers and storytellers.
The journey from raw research data to the reality of a curated exhibition started with navigating a mountain of research material — photographs, personal stories, interview transcripts, and audio-visual recordings. This process was a deeply collaborative one, involving negotiation and discussion across the IncludeAge project team to decide what to feature. Through this shared decision-making, the team deepened their understanding of the data, while ensuring the exhibition remained rooted in the voices of participants.
A turning point in the exhibition’s development came with the involvement of Tamara Richardson from DJCAD. Her expertise in exhibition design and curation brought new energy and vision to the project. Tamara shared insights not only on layout and presentation but also on how to think creatively about space, flow, and audience engagement.
Her mentorship opened eyes across the team to the “endless possibilities” of exhibition-making. From conceptual planning to practical advice on lighting and sequencing, Tamara helped elevate the exhibition from a simple display of findings to a professional, immersive experience. Her input was instrumental in shaping an exhibition that was not only informative but also aesthetically powerful and emotionally resonant.
This teamwork underscored the value of sharing knowledge and practical groundwork. The IncludeAge team — researchers, community co-researchers, and creatives — each brought unique skills to the table. Audio-visual elements created by team members added depth and richness. The print room’s assistance helped produce high-quality visual materials within a tight budget. And above all, it was the shared commitment to authenticity, care, and creativity that has made the final exhibition such a success.
The actual installation of the exhibition took just one day summed up by ‘One Day of Magic, Years in the Making’— but that day brought together months of preparation and years of lived experience. With photos, videos, texts, interactive pieces, and careful design, the exhibition came to life. Seeing it all assembled — and seeing the impact it had on visitors — was a moment of profound pride.
The response to the exhibition so far has been overwhelmingly positive. Viewers have praised not just the content, but the sensitivity, professionalism, and heart behind it. Attendees have described how thought provoking the work has been for them and how it has made them think more about older marginalised people and how they live in their communities. In the end, all the hard work has been so worthwhile, transforming research data into a compelling, inclusive exhibition — one that doesn’t just speak about community, but is a community effort in itself.
Text by Professor Judith Sixsmith, School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee
Through Our Eyes, In Our Words
- Level 1, Matthew Building, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design
- Tuesday 10 – Tuesday 24 June
- 10:00 – 17:00
- Free, no ticket required