Photography for Social Change is a project developed by photojournalist Linda Panetta working in collaboration with Optical Realities Photography, Bethesda Project and Cabrini College... As they work together, students and homeless residents will increasingly share the roles of learner and educator, supporting and mentoring each other. Students will gain a better understanding of the dynamics of
power, privilege and indifference as well as the factors that contribute to homelessness, such as poverty, mental illness, addiction, immigration, and broken or abusive family situations. Students will create an educational video documentary to share what they have experienced throughout the project. With an increased understanding of the many factors that contribute to homelessness, students will develop skills in grassroots organizing and become policy advocates for the homeless to help transform the broader community. An important part of the healing process for homeless individuals is to restore a feeling of connectedness to society. Photography and the video documentary will offer KPLH participants a powerful medium for sharing their stories. The project will culminate in a collaborative photography exhibit, fundraiser and educational documentary and, later, a photo-mural arts project. Working collectively with students/v to create the exhibit and mural arts project, residents will build self-esteem by unlocking creative talents and developing new relationships and community partnerships. Students and volunteers (students/v) will be paired with residents at Our Brothers’ Place and Bethesda North Broad Street. In addition to offering weekly photography and computer literacy classes to Bethesda residents, students/v will accompany residents to various locations in the Philadelphia area – city parks, the Philadelphia Zoo, the Camden Aquarium, Love Park, etc – where residents can take photographs and experiment with the techniques they are learning in the classroom. Students/v and residents will organize and edit photos together and work collectively on photo essays. Cameras and computers will be provided to the participating shelters so residents can continue developing their skills throughout the week. Bethesda residents will learn the technical aspects of photography, share their stories and perspectives using photography as an artistic medium, and benefit from the human connections they develop by working collaboratively with students/v. The educational documentary produced by students will be used to help break down stereotypes as well as the barriers that separate the homeless from mainstream society. Classes and workshops will primarily take place in Center City. Transportation will be provided to bring students to and from Center City. A van (and / or student cars) will leave campus promptly at 12:35 pm and will depart the Philly sites between 3:00 and 4:30 (the return time will depend on the scheduled events such as traveling to the zoo, aquarium…). Students will offer basic photography and editing skills and help residents learn techniques to achieve artistic results and capture feelings and emotions. Students will encourage Bethesda members to take photographs that document their daily lives. The photo exhibit they and the students will collaborate on will include selecting photos and preparing an exhibit around the themes of “home” and “solidarity”, showcasing residents’ photographs and serving as a fundraiser. Proceeds will help fund ongoing projects and related expenses for healing arts programs that support services for homeless residents who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Spring project plans include creation of a mixed media photo exhibit and mural arts project for an extended, prominent display. Each week student’s will be responsible for organizing and editing photos taken by the homeless. They will be responsible for scheduling events, writing press releases and funding proposals as well as developing, organizing and promoting a photo exhibit and documentary.
