Co-operative economy explored through giant open air street gallery

A giant open air street gallery of photographs has arrived in Norwich as part of a national tour to illustrate the history, scope and impact of co-operation world-wide.

From football clubs to farming and pubs to renewable energy, the free outdoor exhibition will remain in the City until 10 March to tell how co-operatives rose from the poverty and harsh working conditions of the mid 19th century and, explore their global diversity and impact on socio-economic development today.
 
Illuminated at night, The Co-operative Revolution Street Gallery consists of 24 images on three metre high installations. It has been compiled by The Co-operative Group, the UK's largest member-owned organisation, and is on display in The Forum, Norwich.
 
Sabina Crouch, The Co-operative's Membership officer for Norwich, said: "The striking images and narrative bring to life how co-operatives grew from humble beginnings into a global movement making significant contributions to world-wide socio-economic development, in particular; poverty reduction, community cohesion, employment generation and social integration.
 
"The images show how today, everyday people are not only predisposed to co-operation, but are making it happen in communities the world over."
 
The Street Gallery was compiled to celebrate the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives, for more information visit co-operative.coop/streetgallery
 
Co-operative's by Numbers

One One billion members of co-operatives worldwide

Ten A near ten per cent growth in UK co-operative enterprises since 2010

13 More than 13 million people are members of UK co-operatives

36 The turnover of the UK co-operative economy is approaching £36 billion

300 The world's 300 largest co-operatives have a combined annual turnover of $1.6 trillion

6,000 There are around 6,000 UK Co-operative enterprises including: pubs; farms; football clubs; retail and renewable energy