Sober Curiosity has seen a shift in the way people interact with and think about their relationship to alcohol. Being sober curious means reevaluating the impact alcohol has on your mental health and well-being, lifestyle, finances or a mix of them all. Recent studies show that as many as 28% of young adults in the UK do not drink and, with this percentage increasing, sober curiosity is an ever-growing movement.
Photographer and videographer Scott James will explore the theme of sober curiosity through a series of newly commissioned video monologues. Taking to the streets of Manchester, Tameside, Trafford, Bury and Stockport, our roving filmmaker will stop people in the street for impromptu conversations to gain a better understanding of sober curiosity as a lifestyle choice.
Scott will foster meaningful connections through critical conversations that broaden our understanding of sober curiosity.
New content will be added throughout the month of September, and available on PORe’s website and social media channels and shared in collaboration with Greater Manchester’s only alcohol-free bar Love From, as a part of Recoverist Month 2024.
Keep your eyes peeled for when Scott is in your area!
‘I lost my uncle to alcoholism. I went to his house to try and find his cat, and I’ll never forget what I saw…. Everything I knew him to be, wasn’t the man in the end.’
In this intimate interview, filmed in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, we hear how alcoholism has affected the life of this person’s uncle, leading to his premature death and the deep impact this has had on him and his family.
‘When you say you’re not drinking, often it’s like, “Is that not a bit boring?” or “What do you do?” So, what I wanna do with Love From is to help people have those experiences without alcohol.’
Karl from Love From talks to Scott James about the impetus behind why he launched his Manchester-based, alcohol-free bar. The physical venue, Love From has since recently closed, but Karl has big plans for the future; exploring all things alcohol free and continuing his mission to support sober curious lifestyles.
‘When you say you’re not drinking, often it’s like, “Is that not a bit boring?” or “What do you do?” So, what I wanna do with Love From is to help people have those experiences without alcohol.’
“I’ve tried it before, but it doesn’t work…I just enjoy a pint…I’m used to it. 5 o’clock comes and it’s beer o’clock.’
In the third week of our Sober Curiosity series, our roving filmmaker headed off to Bury, just north of Manchester to find out what folk there think of ‘sober curiosity.’ He came across Pete, who spoke candidly about his relationship with alcohol.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Scott James is a self-taught photographer and videographer who has collaborated with prominent organizations such as Network Rail, Sheffield United, MateBike, and Spec-savers. Beyond his corporate engagements, Scott leads a personal project focused on addressing mental health by promoting self-love. He’s managed to rack up millions of views online through TikTok and Instagram, using his unique video format to spread the importance of self-acceptance.
In this endeavour, he captures portraits of strangers he encounters on the street and prompts them to share what they love about themselves. This innovative approach not only fosters a connection between Scott and his subjects but also engages viewers, encouraging them to reflect on their own self-worth and mental well-being.
A Recoverist Month event that, through the arts, changes the conversation on substance use and recovery.
Recoverist = Recovery + Activist
Recoverist Month September 2024 is an initiative led by Portraits of Recovery: a pioneering, Manchester-based, visual arts charity.
