‘Protect The Human’, an exhibition featuring striking images of celebrities showing their concern for human rights issues, will go on display at eleven venues in the Cathedral Quarter from May 3rd to May19th.

The photographic exhibition features stars such as Jason Byrne, John Hurt, Russell Brand and Gordon Ramsey standing up for humanity while in everyday situations. The images, shot by Jake Gavin, Sean Gleason and Rich Hardcastle , have one message - Whoever you are, and whatever you are doing, it has never been more important to stand up for human rights. This is why it was decided to show the exhibition in a range of venues, used by the public everyday and for socialising, rather than traditional gallery spaces.

Other famous faces supporting the campaign – and whose photographs will be on display at The Festival - include artist Tracey Emin, musician Courtney Love and film director Anthony Minghella. Fashion designer and actress Sadie Frost, and the animated indie band Gorillaz and a wide range of celebrities also star in the exhibition.

Since it was founded 45 years ago, Amnesty International has successfully taken action on behalf of more than 47,000 cases of individuals and communities at risk of human rights abuses. Today the organisation has nearly two million members and supporters world-wide, including over 270,000 in the UK. It is currently campaigning to Women's rights's rights's rightss rights's rights's rights's rights, control the Arms and end torture.

Welcoming the exhibition Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival Director Sean Kelley said: "The issue of human rights is something that is of deep concern to us and many of our members and we are delighted to host this thought-provoking exhibition and promote the Amnesty International message.

Patrick Corrigan Amnesty International Northern Ireland Programme Director said: "It’s fantastic to have the support of festival like the Cathedral Quarter to bring this exhibition to people in Northern Ireland . I very much hope that people who come along will be inspired to join us in standing up for humanity."

The exhibition will be open to the public from May 3rd-13th in a range of venues in the Cathedral Quarter, viewers will be able to follow the trail in the Map provided. Participants who fill out the action card will be entered into a prize draw and will win a luxury night for two at the Merchant Hotel

Notes to editors

The exhibition will be showing in:

The Black Box

The Cloth Ear

Nicks warehouse

The Northern whig

McHughs

Community Arts Forum

The John Hewitt

Bagel Bagel

Clements, Royal Avenue

The Kitchen Bar

The Spaniard

www.amnesty.org.uk/ni

For a virtual tour of the exhibition see www.protectthehuman.com