The judging panel comprised of industry experts from the photography and arts world: Valerie Catterson from Arts and Business NI, Vicki Dunn from Translink and Collette O’Neill, Northern Ireland Photographer of the Year 2024.
Collette said the panel was impressed with all the entries and not just the winners:
"The range of entries were all so different and captured the theme of connections brilliantly. It was hard to choose our winners. We selected a range of images which feature landscapes, people travelling to work or spending time with family and these all link to Translink’s key pillars.
I can’t wait to see the exhibition and as a judge it will be great to see everyone coming to see the images."
Speaking at the launch, Chris Conway, CEO, Translink said:
"Connections’ provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of our passengers and gives a unique insight into how our services help connect them with some of the most important people and places in their lives. Public transport plays a leading role in connecting people whether for work, seeing family or spending time with friends.
"When displayed together in this way, the images are incredibly striking and thought provoking. We encourage everyone to make time to visit the exhibition and enjoy the beautiful work."
The ‘Connections’ exhibition will be open for public viewing in CastleCourt shopping centre on Royal Avenue until 14 March when the exhibition will then make its way across Translink bus and train stations including Lanyon Place, Belfast and the North West Transport Hub in Derry~Londonderry.
The Translink photography exhibition ties in with the launch of the Late-Night Art events which occurs on the first Thursday of every month organised by Belfast City Council. The Late-Night arts events celebrates local art in galleries across Belfast.