To be Seen, To be Heard
By John Byford
Because being seen is only half the story!.
Skegness, England - Photo ©Byford.JOHN
John Byford, an award-winning artist from Skegness, has been a leading voice in strengthening the cultural connection between his hometown and the German city of Bad Gandersheim.
Through landmark projects such as Made in England in 2012 and the highly acclaimed Two Voices, now celebrating its tenth anniversary, he has championed the power of art to build friendships, exchange ideas, and bring communities together.
His latest project, To Be Seen, To Be Heard, turns the spotlight onto women and the importance of being listened to. It is about truth, courage and identity. About giving women the space to tell their stories in their own words, sharing their experiences honestly and openly, warts and all.
This is not about appearance or perfection. It is about life in all its raw beauty — the struggles, the laughter, the quiet moments of strength, and the resilience that comes from being real.
The project coincides with celebrations in Bad Gandersheim during September 2026, honouring Roswitha, Germany’s first female poet, whose legacy continues to inspire women and writers across generations. It stands as a fitting tribute to voices that have shaped culture, language and imagination through the centuries.
During the exhibition, a series of powerful photographic portraits will appear across Bad Gandersheim in public spaces, shop windows and cultural venues. Each image will tell a story, inviting those who pass by to pause and connect. Together, they form a living gallery — a chorus of women’s voices captured in stillness, yet full of life and meaning.
