This past year, through our Camera Amnesty, we’ve been able to support over 50 projects across the UK and abroad. This is something we’re proud to be able to do, and we wouldn’t be able to do this without the kindness of those who donate equipment and spread the word about our work. We’re really grateful to everyone who gets involved, and if that’s you – thank you!
We can’t share all of the projects we’ve supported this year, but here’s a handful of examples of how the donations we received this year have been used to make a difference.
Among the projects Camera Amnesty has been able to support in the UK in 2023 is Change Grow Live. Change Grow Live supports thousands of people across the UK in their journeys out of homelessness, substance and alcohol abuse, situations of abuse, and more. Their member Steve found photography during lockdown and discovered a passion for capturing images that helped in his recovery from alcohol abuse. We were pleased to be able to send Steve a camera of his own so that he can further develop his skills. He plans to use his experience of photography as a recovery tool to help others who may be struggling.
We’ve previously supported the VII Academy with free portfolio reviews, and in the past year, we also provided photographic equipment for Ukrainian photographers taking part in their Dispatches in Exile project.
We’ve continued to support Sirkhane Darkroom in Turkey and Syria, enabling them to work with more young photographers and give those young people a platform to showcase the way they see their world. We hosted an online exhibition of the resulting work, which you can see here.
In London, we’ve provided digital cameras for photographers creating work for the Art is Freedom 2023 exhibition. Art is Freedom is Hestia’s annual art and photography exhibition, featuring work created by survivors of modern slavery. Survivors supported by Hestia’s Modern Slavery Response Service take part in art and photography workshops every summer, learning and refining their skills, before submitting their best pieces for the exhibition.
We were also pleased to be able to support Headway East London in establishing a regular photo group for their members, encouraging them to explore new art forms previously unavailable to them, as well as providing access to digital cameras for those who use images to supplement their short-term memory.
Also in the UK, we’re pleased to have been able to help provide equipment to set up a new photography project and workshop highlighting the photographic work of asylum seekers from Iraq, Iran and Yemen. ‘Finding Home’ allows a unique insight into the lives of those who have fled their countries in search of safety, protection, and a better life. The project offers them a new way to share and discuss the experiences that led them to seek asylum through the medium of photography.
We worked with Breaking Barriers to help a female refugee in the UK access photography equipment. She’s now enrolled on a photography course with the hopes of becoming a professional photographer.
Much further afield in Kenya, we supported the BIG PICTURE Initiative with camera equipment, so that they could provide a program for disadvantaged and at-risk youths, creating a safe and supportive learning environment and fostering creativity and innovation to teach young people the skills necessary to become proficient photographers, and learn life skills, provide a sense of purpose, and improve their confidence and self-esteem.
In Uganda, Camera Amnesty Projects donated camera equipment has been sent to the Iregei Life Sustenance organisation, to help them document their work and expand their outreach efforts, showcasing the work they are doing for communities in East Africa and documenting everyday life in their agricultural region.
In Namibia, we have helped establish Tiwale’s photography workshops with donations of cameras, providing access to beginner photography lessons for children aged 10-15 years in the Namibian refugee settlements. The children have developed a passion for photography and are using their new skills to find their voices and discover new ways of telling their stories.
Thank you to everyone who has supported Camera Amnesty Projects. Please know that your kindness is appreciated and that we are very grateful for your involvement.
Did you get some new camera equipment for Christmas or maybe you’re having a New Year clear-out and aren’t sure what to do with your old gear? Be part of the work we’re doing with Camera Amnesty and donate it. You can find out how to donate here. If you need equipment for yourself, or for someone else, find out more here.
Got any questions? Email us at info@shutterhub.org.uk
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