Capturing Change: The Power of Photography in Youth Activism
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by
INPRO
In the spring of 2023, young people from four different countries—France, Poland, Portugal, and the United Kingdom—came together in Krosno, Poland, for an inspiring project called Pictures Changing Perspectives. This youth exchange brought participants aged 18-25 from partner organizations: OENE (France), INPRO (Poland), Associação Nó Górdio (Portugal), and Cultivate Cornwall CIC (UK).
The challenge? To create a full-scale photo exhibition from scratch. The participants took on every aspect, from capturing and selecting photos to printing and framing their work. With the guidance of facilitators and team leaders, they organized a vernissage at BWA Krosno to showcase their photography to the public. But this project went far beyond just taking pictures.
Through photography, participants explored pressing social issues faced by young people across Europe today. They discussed human rights, the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and the obstacles facing youth in modern society. The photos they captured reflected not only these challenges but also the opportunities that young people have through international initiatives and cultural exchange.
The exhibition they created served as a powerful reminder that photography can be more than art—it can be a tool for education and activism. By using visual storytelling, these young people raised awareness of youth challenges and showed how projects like youth exchanges can help them overcome barriers and create positive change.
The final result of Pictures Changing Perspectives was a photo exhibition that not only displayed stunning visuals but also sparked conversations about the power of youth engagement. It’s our hope that other youth organizations will be inspired to use photography as a way to bring people together, spread awareness, and drive social change.
Want to see more? Check out the stories and photos from the exchange on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Our Partners:
1. Organization for Empowerment and Non-formal Education – France
2. INPRO – Poland
3. Associação Nó Górdio – Portugal
4. Cultivate Cornwall CIC – United Kingdom
The project is co-financed under the Erasmus+ program.
