Middlesbrough's unsung stars and community stalwarts are being sought to feature in a special photographic exhibition.
Hidden Heroes - led by Middlesbrough Mela and Middlesbrough Museums and funded by Arts Council England - is a celebration of those who've gone the extra mile to improve life for those around them.
Their contribution to local communities and the town as a whole has never been more important than during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Nominations are now being invited, with the chosen ten Hidden Heroes having their portrait taken by documentary photographer Joanne Coates, winner of prestigious awards including Portrait of Britain 2020.
Joanne will get to know the nominees' communities, locations and surroundings before capturing their stories in a photographic portrait.
The ten Hidden Heroes will form an outdoor exhibition as part of this year's Micro Mela and the portraits will be on show in Albert Park throughout August.
Those nominated will also receive their portrait by Joanne.
The public are now being asked to put forward the names of those they think deserve to be included in this unique exhibition - someone who was there at a time of great need, went above and beyond to help out, or just helped to raise a smile when times are tough.
Organisers are keen to find people whose efforts have not previously been recognised officially.
Joanne Coates said: "People make places and we want to celebrate them.
"Community heroes are people who don't often come forward, or even know their value in the place!
"After working with fishermen in Orkney, working class women in Hull and female farmers in Northumberland for Berwick Visual Arts I've come to realise people often don't know how interesting they are, or why their stories are so important and need to be told.
"It helps to add value to that community, space and place.
"Hidden Heroes is a chance to celebrate after a hard year, a chance to shine a light on the people who've been there in the dark.
"It's brilliant to be working with the Mela and having the chance to work with the community is what I enjoy the most about working as a photographer."
Councillor Mieka Smiles, Middlesbrough Deputy Mayor and Executive member for Culture & Communities, said: "The last 15 months have been the toughest many of us have known, but they've also brought out the very best in people.
"They're the hidden gems of humanity whose support, compassion and kindness is given unconditionally.
"Hidden Heroes is a great opportunity to pay tribute to their amazing contribution to making our journey through this dreadful pandemic just that little bit easier.
"Their portraits will be there for all to see at one of the town's biggest cultural events, not to mention a Dorman museum exhibition later in the year.
"If you know someone who deserves this accolade, please nominate them and help them get the recognition they deserve.
Hidden Heroes - led by Middlesbrough Mela and Middlesbrough Museums and funded by Arts Council England - is a celebration of those who've gone the extra mile to improve life for those around them.
Their contribution to local communities and the town as a whole has never been more important than during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Nominations are now being invited, with the chosen ten Hidden Heroes having their portrait taken by documentary photographer Joanne Coates, winner of prestigious awards including Portrait of Britain 2020.
Joanne will get to know the nominees' communities, locations and surroundings before capturing their stories in a photographic portrait.
The ten Hidden Heroes will form an outdoor exhibition as part of this year's Micro Mela and the portraits will be on show in Albert Park throughout August.
Those nominated will also receive their portrait by Joanne.
The public are now being asked to put forward the names of those they think deserve to be included in this unique exhibition - someone who was there at a time of great need, went above and beyond to help out, or just helped to raise a smile when times are tough.
Organisers are keen to find people whose efforts have not previously been recognised officially.
Joanne Coates said: "People make places and we want to celebrate them.
"Community heroes are people who don't often come forward, or even know their value in the place!
"After working with fishermen in Orkney, working class women in Hull and female farmers in Northumberland for Berwick Visual Arts I've come to realise people often don't know how interesting they are, or why their stories are so important and need to be told.
"It helps to add value to that community, space and place.
"Hidden Heroes is a chance to celebrate after a hard year, a chance to shine a light on the people who've been there in the dark.
"It's brilliant to be working with the Mela and having the chance to work with the community is what I enjoy the most about working as a photographer."
Councillor Mieka Smiles, Middlesbrough Deputy Mayor and Executive member for Culture & Communities, said: "The last 15 months have been the toughest many of us have known, but they've also brought out the very best in people.
"They're the hidden gems of humanity whose support, compassion and kindness is given unconditionally.
"Hidden Heroes is a great opportunity to pay tribute to their amazing contribution to making our journey through this dreadful pandemic just that little bit easier.
"Their portraits will be there for all to see at one of the town's biggest cultural events, not to mention a Dorman museum exhibition later in the year.
"If you know someone who deserves this accolade, please nominate them and help them get the recognition they deserve.
- Hidden Heroes nominations can be made through the Middlesbrough Mela website at Hidden Heroes - Middlesbrough Mela