Cameras are everywhere...
You may have one in your hand, on your person, or as a part of the device you are using this very moment.
Everyone seems to be taking photos. Snapping. Posting. Tweeting. We love to share our photos with others. All. The. Time.
We think camera-equipped mobile phones present an innovative opportunity:
Bringing people of different traditions together for interfaith conversations around the photos they take.
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What is Photovoice?
Photovoice is a form of community-based research that uses amateur photography and group discussions to identify needs, raise awareness, and encourage change.
The project will unfold over several weeks with group of people who work together to identify, photograph, and discuss shared experiences, needs, and concerns.
The project will conclude with a public exhibition of participants’ work in which participants will have the opportunity to tell the story behind their photographs and have conversations with community members, stakeholders, and public officials.
FAQ's
Do I need to be a (good) photographer?
No, you don’t need to be a photographer. You just need to be willing to use a camera to tell your story. While our preference is for smartphone cameras, just about any digital camera will work.
Meeting 1: (September 13) Project Orientation During our first session you will become familiar with the project and learn about photovoice.
Meetings 2-4: (September 20, October 4 & 18) Finding our V.O.I.C.E. The heart of photovoice involves discussions of participants’ photographs in which they learn to think about their social, cultural, and religious context. Each meeting we will use your photos in conversation with other participants. Together, you will build relationships and explore your community through the eyes of people with religious backgrounds that are different than your own. Our aim is found in the acronym V.O.I.C.E.: Voicing Our Individual and Collective Experiences. Throughout these meetings themes will emerge that we will explore in-depth.
Meeting 5: (November 1) Selecting and Preparing Photos for Presentation/Reception We will work together to select the photographs that best reflect the insights, challenges, and opportunities identified by participants. Each person will select the 2-3 photographs, and create titles/ captions for each one. These photos will be enlarged, framed, and prepared for public viewing.
Meeting 6: (November 15) Opening Night Reception followed by a Month-Long Exhibition The photovoice project will culminate in an exhibition with an opening night in which participants have the opportunity to discuss their work with invited guests and the general public.
How much does it cost?
Thanks to the generous support of The Louisville Institute, there is no cost to participate in the project. All we’re asking is that you will invest a few hours of your time to meet with others, build relationships, and tell the story of your community.
Who should I contact for more information or to volunteer as a participant?
To volunteer or ask questions please email project director Roman Williams, Assistant Professor of Sociology, Calvin College ([email protected]).
Sign Up Today!
Click here to sign up or contact Roman Williams for more information.
Upcoming Dates
9/13: Project Orientation
9/20, 10/4, 10/18: Interfaith Photovoice Conversations
11/1: Curation of photos for exhibition
11/15: Exhibition begins
All meetings are from 6 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.
Location: At-Tawheed Islamic Center, 3357 E Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512