Photovoice Hamilton is designed to give people a chance to share their views, ideas, and experiences. In particular, issues of poverty and housing are targeted. Project photographers may identify as “marginalized”, which means they might be unemployed, homeless, living in substandard housing, living with illness, or with a disability. In other words, facing any kind of hardship. Participants include anyone living in a marginalized situation, but can come from all walks of life.
Photographers are trained to use their cameras respectfully and safely. They will be in the community recording images, which will help them to “tell their story”. The participants themselves will then decide how to use their photographs to work for change. Perhaps shows in art galleries or malls, taking a photo display to City Hall or Queen’s Park, publishing a book, or creating a website.
The focus is to find individuals who feel they are living in sub-standard housing or are in an on-going poverty situation; those living in poverty and substandard housing will have a chance to express their experiences and views through this creative and empowering way.
Success in the project is be measured by:
- Number of people completing the training and awareness course, and committing to participate in the project.
- Number of image and narrative pieces completed.
- Completion of a written summary of project.
- A potential for positive policy changes for those experiencing poverty and living in substandard housing.
- A web site where people can access Photovoice Hamilton from anywhere in the world.
- Gallery or public displays.
- Formal advocacy: taking displays to meetings with key decision-makers, including social and mental health conferences.
- Lastly, it is Photovoice Hamilton’s goal to use our outcomes as an advocacy tool in lobbying local and provincial governments for improved social foundations and networks.
To learn more about the details of creating a Photovoice project in your community, check out this video, which explains the dynamics and processes involved.
The Photovoice Process
If you, or someone you know, is interested in participating in Photovoice, please contact us to find out more.
