Capturing diverse perspectives through a research lens
An innovative photography project has engaged a group of adults with intellectual disabilities to create a greater understanding into the lived experience of those with diverse abilities.
Led by CQUniversity Research Higher Degree (RHD) student Emma Woodbright, a series of design and collaborative workshops empowered the attendees to learn photography skills, visual storytelling, collaboration, creativity, and dissemination.
The cumulation of these workshops was showcased at CQUniversity’s Gladstone campus where participants showcased their work in an exhibition titled Imagine What’s Possible: Stories by Us.
As a social documentary photographer and visual artist, Ms Woodbright said she had seen firsthand the profound impact that creative expression can have through multimodal communication.
“The goal of this project is to explore how individuals with an intellectual disability, in collaboration with a creative lens-based practitioner, can document their own perceptions and narrative.
“For me as a creative practitioner, I am interested in utilising the skills and tools I possess to explore this research area and to identify ways they can be used to benefit others.
“My hope is that people can both see the unique perspectives these participant photographers have but also relate to these perspectives as well.”
She said that the project aimed to facilitate a collaborative environment, making participants co-researchers in the process.
“I am interested in experimenting with diverse ways of sharing the ‘participants’ stories to maintain participant agency while promoting engagement and meaningful knowledge exchange,” Ms Woodbright said.
"Highlights of this project have been meeting and building relationships with this wonderful group of people. They have trusted me with being a part of their lives and have shared their stories with me.
“This project has been the most amazing experience of my career."
Run in collaboration with the Endeavour Foundation, the project involved more than 20 participants, including individuals with intellectual disabilities, support workers, and Endeavour staff who all actively contributed to the exhibition by deciding which activities and themes to document.
As the project transitions to the next phase, Ms Woodbright plans to analyse her gathered data and write reports for a thesis paper under the supervision of CQUniversity academics Dr Ashley Holmes and Dr Jan Cattoni.
The techniques used to convey the participants' narratives will be examined for their novelty and impact, with the findings shared.
The outcomes will be shared across various platforms to assist others who wish to creatively collaborate with those with intellectual disabilities.
"The digital stories and photographs have already begun being shared within Endeavour by the organisation's leaders. It will be interesting to see what impact comes from this."
Imagine What’s Possible: Stories by Us runs until mid-January 2024.
