Christine has been photographing since 1974. Her style has been described as raw and natural. Christine’s work has been exhibited on a number of occasions, collaborating with Open Eye Gallery, St Helens Arts & Libraries, Chester University and Chester Pride. She has self-published three books over the last four years.

Christine’s project is about recording the transition of St Helens. Her project aims to illustrate the issues caused by these transitions and their visible impact on the fabric of the town, and to hopefully follow that up with short talks and exhibitions of the artistic process and philosophy she followed. The thing that excites her about the overall Transformation project is that it will shine a light on the role played by trans artists in Merseyside. She also see’s it as a great starting point for future collaborations with other trans artists in Merseyside.

The Crip Keeper is a storytelling disabled drag thing and burlesque creature who performs using a mix of mobility aids. Whether the act is fun, serious or a strange combination, they find a way to weave political statements into the mix.

I am so excited to have been selected for the commission and am really looking forward to begin work on my project. The project will explore experiences of isolation faced as a trans disabled person and why both communities need to build stronger bridges. – Rhi

Joey (he/they/she) is a director and theatre-maker with a passion for amplifying LGBTQ+ stories. Originally from the States, they are a recent graduate from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) and have a certificate in Directing for the Theatre from Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). In July, Joey will be directing a production of Luke Barnes’ No One Will Tell Me How To Start A Revolution at Liverpool’s Unity Theatre.

Previous Assistant Director credits: SealSkin (UK/International Tour, dir. Eli Randle), Philippa Gregory’s Richard, My Richard (Shakespeare North Playhouse/Theatre Royal Bury St. Edmunds, dir. Katie Posner), Rock ’N’ Roll Cinderella Panto by Luke Barnes (Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, dir. James Baker), Masquerade (Epstein Theatre/Bill Elms Production, dir James Baker).

Jensyn is the solo project of Liverpool-based non-binary artist, composer, producer and session bass player Jen Morgan. Blending alt-pop production with rich vocal harmonies, melodic bass lines, and folk-infused guitar, Jensyn’s music combines intimate songwriting with expansive, atmospheric soundscapes.

Over the past six years, Jen has independently developed, produced, and recorded the project, releasing three EPs with support from Youth Music.

Alongside their artist work, Jen is an experienced composer and producer, having created music for several short films including LGBT+ romance, a black comedy and an internationally collaborative documentary shown at COP26 in Glasgow. They have also worked as a sound recordist for TV and continue to mix, produce, and perform bass for artists across the Merseyside area.

In 2024, as part of First Take’s “Reel Queer” project, Jen developed and delivered a composition for a film course for young LGBT+ creatives in Liverpool.

As Jensyn, they have performed at venues including Rough Trade in Liverpool, The Jacaranda and ARTIFACT, and have been involved in events such as The Narrative and Music Seen Studio Sessions.

I am a multidisciplinary artist based in Liverpool. Heavily influenced by my Caribbean roots, music and storytelling are a language of love and connection. I am currently starting my journey in film, with the focus of documenting stories often overlooked. As a mature, first generation student, I feel as though doors are opening to explore these art forms in a deeper, more people-centred way. – Iesha

Matthew Hare (he/him) is a queer transgender artist based in Merseyside, England. He specialises in illustration, graphic design and traditional print making. Alongside his love of sketchbooks. He is a multidisciplinary artist and loves to experiment and explore with different mediums, formats and projects.

‘I would like to create a fun illustrated local Merseyside resource zine that gives transgender people a resource guide to help them to connect, grow and discover themselves as well as their community in our city, targeting Liverpool and the Wirral. Outlining resources much like: mental health support, trans friendly hairdressers and barbers, support groups and where to meet new friends. When I came out as a trans man in 2019, it took years to navigate myself and find resources of who can help me, where can I find people like myself and safe spaces to be with my community.

Over the years, I have learnt so much. When meeting people through sharing my art through my experience, I have found that most people, whether new to the city or freshly out of the closet, don’t have access to resources and this can result in feeling alone, unsupported and unnecessarily struggling. I want to put together a small guide that help transgender people navigate this.’ – Matt

AJ is a photographer and creative storyteller whose work explores identity, emotion, and human connection through honest visual storytelling. Their approach to photography is people-first, creating work that feels authentic, thoughtful, and emotionally honest, with a particular interest in the stories people carry through lived experience.

“I’m really excited and honoured to be creating Claiming the Frame: Bodies of Truth through the Transformations commission, a piece exploring the stories, truths, and lived experiences our bodies carry, and how identity, memory, and personal experience shape the way we exist in the world.” – AJ