A woman has been included in a digital gallery as part of a celebrity photographer's latest work for a National Lottery project.

Beth James, director of Square Pegs Arts, based at the Brook Theatre in Dock Road, Chatham , was selected to feature in the 'Portraits of the People' display following her work with young people with learning difficulties.

The campaign, run by the National Lottery's Good Causes, photographed 13 people "who have significantly impacted people's lives through the Arts during 2020".

The gallery launched this week and can be viewed on the websites of London's National Portrait Gallery , Ikon Gallery in Birmingham and The MAC in Belfast.

Created by Chris Floyd, a celebrity photographer who has pictured Sir Paul McCartney, Mo Farah and Victoria Beckham, the collection celebrates some of those in the arts sector who have worked tirelessly through the pandemic to bring creativity, enjoyment and enrichment to people.

Beth said: "It's really exciting for us as a charity to get that national exposure. Personally I feel a bit overwhelmed with it because I'm used to talking about us as an organisation and not me personally, because actually it's not just me, it's my amazing team and all of my volunteers as well. It's very exciting."

Square Pegs Arts offer opportunities for young people with learning difficulties and autism to get involved in theatre and the arts.

The organisation runs drama groups, music projects, film screenings and various projects that are all specifically designed for people with learning disabilities.

She continued: "It's been really challenging, obviously theatre, drama and music haven't really been able to take place, especially for the people we work with who are vulnerable.

"We transferred everything online, but we also sent out care packages, made phone calls and developed accessible ways to working online to support everybody very carefully.

"It's been a hard time for all of us but for many of them, it's been really, really tough, so we just wanted to do whatever we could."

Beth ensured the company received emergency funding in April so it could carry on working.

"Art and culture are crucial at times like these for all of us. It's all around us. I don't think people realise how much it is a part of their lives.

"It's not just high art, it's not just going to the opera, it's the music you listen to, the radio, the books you read, the films you watch.

"Lockdown is devastating the state of the arts at the moment – it's really upsetting but us creatives and artists are good at being flexible.

"We will be continuing to do everything we can to support the people we work with and their families. We will continue to do all we can to make sure people are connected and being creative."

To see the full gallery, click here.

To donate to Square Pegs Arts, click here.

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