PHOTOVOICE

ABOUT

Photovoice Hamilton is designed to give people a chance to share their views, ideas, and experiences. In particular, issues of poverty and housing are being targeted. Project photographers call themselves "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.

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. Do you have any other ideas?

Participants include anyone living in a marginalized situation, but can come from all walks of life. 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 will 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 written summary of project.
  • A potential for positive policy changes for those experiencing poverty and living in substandard housing.
  • A web site to coincide with the final desplay for access to Photovoice Hamilton from anywhere in the world.
  • Gallery or public displays.
  • Formal advocacy: taking display to meetings with key decision-makers, including social and mental health conferences.
  • Lastly it is Photovoice Hamiltons goal to use the display as a advocacy tool in lobbiling local and provincal government.

If you, or someone you know, is interested in participating in a photovoice group, please contract us to find out how.

Also, sign up to our mailing list to find out about gallery updates and Photovoice Hamilton events.