The Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) is launching a multicultural photography project in 10 communities in the East and West Kootenays this fall. Kimberley is one of the communities where residents will create photographs that reflect their own experiences of Canada.
The idea is to bring newcomers to Canada together with longtime residents, says Carol Fairhurst of CBAL Kimberley. It’s all about building understanding between the diverse cultures that make up our communities.
“The organizers hope it will help us all recognize how cultures make us both different and similar,” Fairhurst said.
You don’t have to be an experienced photographer to participate. Free workshops will be presented in each community with local photographers teaching basic skills for taking effective photographs.
The first workshop will take place this Thursday, November 10 at 7 p.m. at 370 Wallinger Avenue, the CBAL office.
Participants will work independently for three months to create photographs that illustrate their experience of Canada with a focus on capturing images that represent inclusion or exclusion.
At a second workshop in February, participants will choose two of their best images to display and write a short reflection on the subject.
The images will be printed and framed at no cost through funding from the BC Ministry of International Trade.
Fairhurst is arranging for a public display space in Kimberley for the exhibit.
For more information or to register for the project contact Fairhurst at 250-687-4681 or the settlement worker at 250-427-6027.
The project is open to everyone, new residents and long-time Canadians.