Photography for Advocacy

Photography for Advocacy teaches students how contemporary photographers use their work to champion human rights, animal rights, and environmental justice. This program introduces photography as a powerful tool for engaging with social issues and empowering students to make a difference. Through individual and collaborative projects, students explore topics they care about and learn how to communicate their message effectively through visual storytelling. Teaching artists guide this process, showing how personal narratives can resonate universally and inspire change at both local and global levels. By encouraging experimentation and pushing boundaries, the program not only nurtures creativity but also challenges students’ perceptions of photography—ultimately equipping them with the skills to become effective advocates in their communities.

Goals

• Teach about the power of contemporary photography and its ability to convey a timely and poignant message;

• Introduce collaborative art making as a call to action;

• Amplify and affirm students' personal voices, lived experiences and aspirations for the future.

Outcomes

• Practice and strengthen effective communication skills;

• Cultivate empathetic and compassionate collaborators; 

• Use transferable skills such as adaptability, problem-solving and research to complete a collective artwork.