We Are All Derbyshire was a celebration of the people of Derbyshire which ran from 2024-2025. It comprised of fifteen portraits of sitters nominated by Derbyshire residents. Supported by BBC Derby and Derbyshire Libraries, the project was featured in Derbyshire Life Magazine, which can be read online:

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Melissa Speed's We Are All Derbyshire art project | Great British Life

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The project ran in four phases: 

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1. Public nominations at libraries, community groups, and online.

2. Selecting the sitters, all of whom were nominated by their communities for doing small things that make a big difference.

3. Portrait sittings.

4. Exhibitions, including arts and heritage venues as well as community spaces, religious venues, schools, safe spaces for vulnerable people, and more.

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The portraits and the stories were shared online on the We Are All Derbyshire website, which was available throughout the project. At its end, the portraits were gifted to the sitters. 

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​All of the We Are All Derbyshire portraits can be seen in the sliding gallery here.

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A walk-through of the exhibition at Elvaston Castle can be watched here.​

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