Meet the Judges

MEET THE JUDGES

Black and white portrait of a smiling older man with glasses, a trimmed beard, and short white hair, wearing a suit, tie, and mayoral chain with a medallion.

Councillor Henry Cushinan

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey

A proud grandfather and family man, Henry recently retired after a 35-year career as a welder. Throughout my adult life, I have been actively involved in politics and committed to serving my local community. As a Council representative on the Lough Neagh Partnership, I am deeply committed to protecting and enhancing the future of Lough Neagh.

Black and white portrait of a man in a suit and tie, smiling slightly, against a dark background.

CouncillorMark Cooper, BEM

Councillor, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

Councillor Mark Cooper has represented the Threemilewater District Electoral Area since first being elected to the Council in 2019 and served as Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey for the year 2023-2024.

In 2020, he was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his outstanding service to the Newtownabbey community during Covid 19 pandemic.

Councillor Cooper is actively involved in the Labour Market Partnership, Policing and Community Safety Partnership, NI Housing Council, NI Local Government Association (NILGA) and Peace Plus Partnership. He was appointed to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive Board in November 2025.

Black and white portrait of a smiling woman with long wavy hair, wearing a short-sleeved denim top with buttons, standing against a plain background.

Evanna Devine

Photographer

Evanna Devine is a photographer from Belfast who graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in Photography from the Institute of Art, Design and Technology. Her work is driven by a commitment to storytelling and community collaboration, with a focus on underrepresented voices and on creating narratives that engage with communities in meaningful and lasting ways. Through photographic portraiture, her practice explores class, Irish heritage and identity in contemporary Ireland.

Black and white photo of a young woman smiling, wearing a black shirt, with her hair pulled back.

Charis Thompson

Design and Marketing Lead, Belfast Photo Festival

Charis grew up in the Borough of Antrim and Newtownabbey, and after spending much of her career travelling globally and developing her creative practice around the world, she brings a personal connection and critical eye to this project.

Black and white portrait of a man with curly hair and a beard, wearing a collared shirt, standing outdoors with blurred trees in the background.

Toby Smith

Director, Belfast Photo Festival

Toby has over 17 years experience in the photography sector with a specific emphasis on positive social and environmental impact - especially innovation in public engagement around environment, equity and participation in lens based photography.