Teens from the Boston Photo Collaborative ’s Project Image program will present their personal photographic
essays at the exhibit “Through our Eyes,” at the New England School of Photography (NESOP). The School of
Photography is located at 537 Commonwealth Avenue in Kenmore Square. The opening reception will be held on
Thursday,August 22 from 6 p.m.to 9 p.m.The event is free and open to the public.
Project Image,one of several programs offered through the BPC, is a summer photography/employment program for inner
city teens from the Boston area to access art while being paid for their creativity. “Through Our Eyes,” the culmination of
Project Image,is a compilation of the teens' work. The 11 participants are trained as photojournalists and apply these
skills to capture their lives, their families and their community.
Project Image Program Philosophy
Project Image participants live in ethnically diverse neighborhoods and many encounter a scarcity of artistic programs in
their schools. Strategically offered in the summer, Project Image provides a rewarding employment opportunity for teens
who might otherwise be employed in “dead end ” service jobs. Using photography, our program encourages a positive,
healthy medium of self-expression. The teens document issues significant to them, empowering them as they change
media stereotypes and represent positive aspects of their lives.
The standard curriculum of the Project Image program has been expanded in recent years to include elements of digital
technology. The facilities at the Collaborative provide the necessary technology for the teens to build a Project Image
website. By connecting through the Internet, the teens are able to reach out to a greater community and share their
personal experiences from the program.
The Boston Photo Collaborative
The Boston Photo Collaborative is a non profit organization that was established in 1991 with a mission to offer high
quality classes,seminars and programs by bringing photography to people traditionally without access to the medium.
Our community outreach includes people of all ages, income and skill levels. The Boston Photo Collaborative’s members
effectively use photography as a means of establishing and improving skills in visual communications. Our facilities have
expanded to allow for personal growth and development beyond the darkroom. Our Neighborhood Technology Center,
equipped with the latest digital hardware and software,provides our constituents access to digital imaging and website
design. The Collaborative has established strong relationships with its surrounding communities through partnerships
with various art organizations and social service agencies.
The Boston Photo Collaborative receives support from the Boston Youth Fund, the Fuller Foundation, the Massachusetts
Cultural Council, the Roxbury Highland Foundation, Charles Sumner Bird Charitable Trust and private donors, among
others. In kind supporters include Fuji Photo Film U.S.A.,Sprint Systems and Epson America,Inc.and numerous other
local businesses.
IMAGE:
Damaine B.
From Teens and Parents Series
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