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APPARTENANCE 64

A living portrait of belonging in 64

Belonging - 5yrs-1.jpg

✨ About Me & This Project

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Hello, I'm Jo de Magneval, a British photographer and visual storyteller based in the Béarn region of southwest France.

 

When I first arrived here, the feeling of belonging came easily - as if something in the landscape, the rhythm of the place, simply said “you're home”. But everything else took work: learning the language, navigating the culture, building a life from scratch. It wasn't always easy, but I never doubted that this was where I was meant to be.

 

It's this personal journey that is behind this project:

“Belonging in 64” - a photographic series capturing portraits and personal reflections from people across the Pyrénées-Atlantiques about what belonging means to them.

 

The project will feature one person for each age, from 1 to 64, creating a powerful intergenerational tapestry of portraits and personal reflections. Each person is photographed in a place where they feel rooted, sharing their story in their own words.

 

Together, these images and voices form a living, evolving portrait of the region, an archive of identity, memory and place in the Pyrénées Atlantiques in south-west France.​

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✨What is 'Appartenance 64' ?

  • A socially engaged exploration of identity and belonging in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques.

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  • 64 triptych portraits - aged 1 to 64

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  •  Photographed in places where participants feel they belong

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  • Combined with personal reflections on home, identity and connection.

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  • Presented in exhibitions printed and screened throughout the region, along with audio interviews of participants via a QR code and with a short film in development.

✨ Why this project now?

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Celebrates generational and cultural diversity

  • Presents stories across age groups and backgrounds

  • Highlights unique traditions and evolving identities

  • Embraces the richness of different cultural heritages that co-exist.

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Documents a living portrait of the region

  • Captures contemporary life and personal stories in real time

  • Preserves voices and experiences that might otherwise be overlooked

  • Creates a visual and oral archive for future generations

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Enhances visibility and fosters connections​

  • Raises awareness of the diversity and vibrancy of the community

  • Encourages dialogue and empathy between residents and visitors

  • Strengthens social ties through the sharing of stories and experiences

“True belonging doesn't require you to change who you are: it requires you to be who you are.”

Brené Brown

✨ Would you like to be part of this project?

 

We’re looking for 64 people – one for every age from 1 to 64 – to take part in a photography and storytelling project about belonging in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques.

Our goal is to represent a diverse and beautiful mix of voices, faces, and stories — from all walks of life, backgrounds, and experiences.

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📋 If you're interested please complete the form here​ or if you have any questions please drop me an email to find out more.

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Thank you for being part of something meaningful.

✨ Would you like to help bring this project to life?

If so, please visit my GoFundMe page and donate whatever amount feels right for you.

Every contribution makes a difference — thank you so much for your support!

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