Since the summer of 2002, people from all regions of the United Kingdom have been taking part in Self Portrait UK - a national campaign aimed at encouraging people to present themselves as they really want to be seen.

The diversity of people who have participated is huge - from 88-year-olds to school children, from artists to celebrities. With snapshots, paintings, drawings, text and video, thousands of people have used all kinds of media to create a self-portrait that reveals their unique identity, imagination and individuality.

The campaign was kick-started in Newcastle with the launch of a series of self-portraits by celebrities to encourage and inspire people to take part. These celebrities included journalist Jon Snow, actress Jenny Agutter, model Jodie Kidd and Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given.

The final closing date for submissions was February 14th, and a selection of self-portraits representing the unique imagination and diversity of modern Britain will be exhibited at the prestigious National Portrait Gallery in London from April 5th to June 22nd.

The exhibition will tour to the National Gallery and Museum in Cardiff, Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art, Manchester Art Gallery and Ormeau Baths, Belfast, throughout 2003/04.

Twelve of the most innovative and individual submissions will also be featured on Channel 4 and displayed in public sites across the UK such as the Tyne & Wear Metro system and the London Underground.