Faces of Back Stories is a photographic project that spotlights the faces behind the businesses from the event series, Back Stories of Innovation. In 2022 we have shared stories of our past ingenuity and creativity told by local historians, and in the same breath we have highlighted the stories of our innovators now building new enterprises driven by a sense of purpose and vision for what is possible in our changing landscape.

A physical exhibition is on display at NOVA, 122 Faulkner Street in Armidale from 30 November 2022 until 28 February 2023 (excluding a holiday closure from 24 December till 2 January). NOVA is open between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday, or by appointment.

The virtual exhibition is available to access via the UNE SRI website.

This exhibition and catalogue would not have been conceivable without the optimism and curiosity of the New England community who joined us in conversations at Back Stories of Innovation throughout the year.

Photographers involved in the project are: Edwina Bach, Steve Carruthers, Matt Cawood, Jon Clay, Skye Creevey, Jazmine Hobbs, Michèle Jedlicka, Melanie Jenson, Beth MacRaild O’Loughlin, Lib Martin, Eric Molnar, Harrison Munday, Craig Pevitt, Dave Robinson, James Russell, Harriet Schmude, Teneille Schofield, Simon Scott, Tim Scott, Catherine Stephen, Ijumaa Stephenson and Mike Terry.

We would like to acknowledge partners and funding bodies for their support in bringing this exhibition to life: Business New England, Armidale Regional Council and the New South Wales Government.

The Back Stories of Innovation series  is proudly supported by funding through the NSW Government under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund and delivered in collaboration with Armidale Regional Council.