Darren Ryan – Project Realisation Application/ Limerick City Build Project Plan Proposal
Socially Engaged Art Hub
Please note that each of the three projects has a duration of 3 months. 9 months duration in total. (See lesson plan.)
Limerick City Build aims to assist the long-term unemployed and ex-offenders to engage in full time skills training in Limerick City. During the first portion of this project (Project 1: iSelf) LCB clients would be actively building the darkrooms (electrics, heating, plumbing, carpentry etc) needed for Project 2.
Currently LCB only facilitate male clientele but these projects are intended to be used for all sexes going forward.
More on LCB here
https://www.limerickcitybuild.ie
Socially Engaged Art Projects for Marginalised Limerick Communities
The following projects aim to empower participants through the medium of photography, using the theme of Personal Identity to explore and express individual and collective experiences. Each project is designed to engage participants in creative self-expression while fostering a sense of community and belonging.
The Projects
Project 1. "iSelf: Capturing Identity Through the Lens of the iPhone"
Medium: Smart Phone Photography
Target Community: Youth in marginalised areas of Limerick/ LCB Clientele
Target Community: Youth in marginalised areas of Limerick/ LCB Clientele
Project Overview:
"iSelf" invites young people from marginalized communities in Limerick to explore their personal identities using Smart Phone photography. This project leverages the accessibility of smartphone technology, allowing participants to document their daily lives, emotions, and environments. The focus is on self-portraiture, personal spaces, and symbolic objects that represent their identities.
Project Structure:
Workshops: A series of weekly workshops led by local photographers and artists will introduce participants to the basics of Smart Phone photography, covering topics such as composition, lighting, and editing.
Guided Exercises: Participants will be guided through exercises that encourage self-reflection, such as capturing images that represent their aspirations, struggles, and cultural heritage.
Peer Review Sessions: Regular group discussions where participants share their work and provide feedback, fostering a supportive community.
Exhibition: A final exhibition showcasing the best photos, with personal narratives accompanying each image to provide context.
Outcomes:
Empowerment through creative self-expression.
Development of technical photography skills.
Enhanced self-awareness and community connection.
Project 2. "Through the Looking Glass: Analog Portraits of Identity"
Medium: Analog Photography
Target Community: Youth in marginalized areas of Limerick/ LCB Clientele
Target Community: Youth in marginalized areas of Limerick/ LCB Clientele
Project Overview:
"Through the Looking Glass" focuses on analogue photography to help adults from marginalized backgrounds explore and document their personal identity. Using film cameras, participants will learn the art of slow, intentional photography, creating portraits and scenes that reflect their journey and experiences.
Project Structure:
Introductory Sessions: Workshops on the basics of analogue photography, including camera operation, film selection, and developing techniques.
Personal Storytelling: Participants will be encouraged to create a series of portraits that reflect different aspects of their identity, such as their cultural background, personal history, and current experiences in Limerick.
Darkroom Experience: Participants will have the opportunity to develop their own photos in a darkroom, offering a hands-on, tactile experience that deepens their connection to the medium.
Collaborative Exhibition: The project will culminate in a collaborative exhibition where each participant's series is displayed with their personal story, shared in their own words.
Outcomes:
Increased self-confidence and a sense of belonging through storytelling.
Preservation and sharing of cultural identities within the community.
Development of traditional photography skills.
Project 3. "Digital Narratives: Telling My Story Through Photography"
Medium: Digital Photography
Target Community: Youth in marginalized areas of Limerick/ LCB Clientele
Target Community: Youth in marginalized areas of Limerick/ LCB Clientele
Project Overview:
"Digital Narratives" is designed to empower marginalized men to reclaim their narratives through digital photography. This project provides a safe space for participants to explore themes of resilience, recovery, and identity, using digital cameras to create powerful visual stories.
Project Structure:
Empowerment Workshops: Facilitated by local photographers, these workshops will focus on using photography as a tool for self-expression and healing. Topics will include visual storytelling, framing, and editing.
Thematic Assignments: Participants will receive assignments that encourage them to explore themes such as "Strength," "Transformation," and "Freedom." Each assignment is designed to help them reflect on their personal journey.
One-on-One Mentorship: Each participant will be paired with a mentor for personalized guidance, helping them to refine their ideas and develop their photographic voice.
Interactive Online Gallery: The project will end with the creation of an online gallery, allowing participants to share their stories with a wider audience, with the option to remain anonymous if they choose.
Outcomes:
Healing and empowerment through creative expression.
Building digital literacy and photography skills.
Creating a supportive network for marginalized men within the community.
These projects are designed not only to provide creative outlets for marginalized individuals but also to foster a deeper sense of Identity and Community through the shared experience of art-making. Each project uses a different photographic medium to explore the theme of personal identity, offering participants unique ways to express and understand themselves.
Exploring the Projects Further
From an artistic perspective, these three projects—"iSelf," "Through the Looking Glass," and "Digital Narratives"—are powerful vehicles for healing, self-discovery, and empowerment. Each project harnesses the vast potential of visual storytelling, allowing participants to process emotions, explore identity, and foster resilience.
1."iSelf: Capturing Identity Through the Lens of the iPhone"
Perspective:
The "iSelf" project leverages the accessibility and familiarity of Smart Phones, making the process less intimidating for participants. Therapists often emphasize the importance of meeting clients where they are; in this case, using a tool they are already comfortable with facilitates a smoother entry into self-exploration.
Value:
Self-Expression and Empowerment: By creating visual narratives with their phones, participants are empowered to take control of their story.
Reflection and Insight: The process of selecting subjects, framing shots, and editing images encourages introspection. This reflection can lead to increased self-awareness, as participants begin to see their identity through a new, creative lens.
Peer Review and Group Support: The group discussions in "iSelf" play a crucial role in normalizing individual experiences and fostering a sense of community.
2. "Through the Looking Glass: Analog Portraits of Identity"
Perspective:
"Through the Looking Glass" taps into the slower, more deliberate process of analogue photography, which can be deeply therapeutic. The tactile nature of analogue photography—handling film, developing images in a darkroom—grounds participants in the present moment, which is essential for mindfulness and healing.
Value:
Mindfulness and Presence: The intentionality required in analogue photography parallels the use of mindfulness practices
Exploration of Identity: By creating portraits that reflect various aspects of their identity, participants engage in a dialogue with themselves.
Preservation of Cultural Identity: For marginalized adults analogue photography offers a means to preserve and honour their cultural heritage. This act of creation is not only a form of self-expression but also a way to maintain and communicate their cultural identity within a community.
3. "Digital Narratives: Telling My Story Through Photography"
Perspective:
"Digital Narratives" is designed to create a safe and supportive environment where people can reclaim their stories through digital photography. It is designed to focus on providing a non-verbal outlet for processing trauma, and photography can be an especially potent medium for this purpose.
Value:
Healing Through Creation: For survivors, the act of creating art can be a form of reclaiming control
Narrative Reconstruction: The thematic assignments encourage participants to frame their experiences in a narrative that emphasizes strength and resilience. This process of narrative reconstruction is a key technique in trauma recovery, helping individuals reframe their experiences in a more empowering light.
Mentorship and Safe Space: The one-on-one mentorship aspect of "Digital Narratives" provides individualized support, crucial for participants who may be navigating the complexities of trauma.."
Conclusion
These three projects offer far more than just an opportunity to create art; they provide pathways to healing, self-exploration, and empowerment. By engaging in these creative processes, participants are encouraged to explore their personal identities, confront their pasts, and imagine new possibilities for their futures. Each project is designed to meet the participants where they are, using the power of visual storytelling to facilitate growth and transformation.
Fostering Mindfulness
These socially engaged art projects relate deeply to mindfulness by fostering present-moment awareness, self-reflection, and intentional action. Through the process of creating art, participants engage in mindful practices that help them connect with themselves and their surroundings, ultimately contributing to their well-being and personal growth.
1. iSelf: Capturing Identity Through the Lens of the iPhone
Mindfulness Connection:
This project encourages participants to focus on the present moment as they explore and capture their identity through Smart Phone photography. Mindfulness in this context involves paying attention to the visual details of their environment and how these relate to their sense of self.
This project encourages participants to focus on the present moment as they explore and capture their identity through Smart Phone photography. Mindfulness in this context involves paying attention to the visual details of their environment and how these relate to their sense of self.
Present-Moment Awareness: By observing their surroundings with fresh eyes, participants practice being fully present, noticing colours, shapes, and textures that they might usually overlook. This heightened awareness is a core aspect of mindfulness, helping to ground individuals in the here and now.
Self-Reflection: As participants create self-portraits and symbolic images, they engage in introspection, considering how their emotions, thoughts, and experiences manifest visually. This reflective process aligns with mindfulness practices that involve turning inward to understand oneself better.
2. Through the Looking Glass: Analog Portraits of Identity
Mindfulness Connection:
Analog photography, with its slower pace and hands-on processes, naturally fosters mindfulness. Participants must be deliberate in their actions, from framing a shot to developing film, which encourages deep concentration and presence.
Analog photography, with its slower pace and hands-on processes, naturally fosters mindfulness. Participants must be deliberate in their actions, from framing a shot to developing film, which encourages deep concentration and presence.
Intentionality and Patience: The analogue process requires careful planning and patience, as participants cannot immediately see the results of their efforts. This delay fosters a mindful approach to photography, where every shot is taken with intention and care, mirroring the mindfulness practice of deliberate action.
Sensory Engagement: Developing film and printing in a darkroom involves engaging with different senses—touch, sight, and even smell. This multisensory experience enhances mindfulness by bringing full attention to the task at hand, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the creative process.
3. Digital Narratives: Telling My Story Through Photography
Mindfulness Connection:
This project uses digital photography to help marginalized men explore and express their identities. By focusing on personal storytelling through images, participants engage in a mindful exploration of their lives and experiences.
This project uses digital photography to help marginalized men explore and express their identities. By focusing on personal storytelling through images, participants engage in a mindful exploration of their lives and experiences.
Emotional Awareness: Through the creation of self-portraits and narrative sequences, participants become more attuned to their emotions and how these can be represented visually. Mindfulness helps them acknowledge and process these emotions without judgment, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves.
Focused Attention: Editing and curating their photos for a digital narrative requires participants to focus intently on the details of their work. This concentrated attention is a key element of mindfulness, allowing participants to stay present and engaged in their creative process.
These projects use photography as a meditative practice that encourages participants to slow down, reflect, and express themselves.
Mindful Observation: In the "iSelf" project, participants practice mindful observation by using their Smart Phones to capture moments that resonate with their identity. This process aligns with Jon Kabat-Zinn's definition of mindfulness as "paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally."
Intentional Creation: In "Through the Looking Glass," the analogue process requires participants to engage mindfully with their materials, echoing the art therapy concept that "intentional creation leads to intentional living."
Narrative Mindfulness: The "Digital Narratives" project emphasises narrative mindfulness, where participants reflect on their personal stories through the lens of photography.
Summary
In these projects, mindfulness is not just a byproduct but a central element of the creative process. Whether through the focused attention required in analogue photography, the present-moment awareness fostered by digital storytelling, or the introspective self-exploration encouraged by self-portraiture, participants engage in mindfulness practices that promote healing, self-awareness, and emotional well-being. These projects empower participants to connect with their identities in a mindful, reflective way, using art as a vehicle for personal growth and self-expression.
Lesson Plans
Here are detailed lesson plans for each of the three projects, broken down into 12 sessions. Each session is designed to build on the previous one, gradually deepening participants' engagement with the medium and the theme of personal identity.
Project 1: "iSelf: Capturing Identity Through the Lens of the iPhone"
Target Community: Youth in marginalized areas of Limerick, LCB Clientele
Medium: Smart Phone Photography
Medium: Smart Phone Photography
Session 1: Introduction to the Project
Objective: Introduce the project’s goals and the concept of personal identity.
Activity: Group discussion on what identity means; participants share initial thoughts on how they might express their identity through photography.
Session 2: Basics of Smart Phone Photography
Objective: Teach the basics of iPhone photography, including composition, lighting, and focus.
Activity: Hands-on practice with participants taking simple photos around the venue, focusing on framing and composition.
Session 3: Self-Portraiture Exploration
Objective: Introduce self-portraiture as a method of exploring identity.
Activity: Participants take self-portraits, focusing on how to express different aspects of their identity (e.g., mood, interests).
Session 4: Symbolism in Photography
Objective: Explore the use of symbols in photography to represent aspects of personal identity.
Activity: Participants photograph objects or scenes that symbolize important elements of their lives.
Session 5: Storytelling Through Photography
Objective: Teach participants how to tell a story through a series of photos.
Activity: Participants create a photo sequence that tells a short story about a part of their identity.
Session 6: Editing and Enhancing Photos
Objective: Introduce basic photo editing techniques using Smart Phone apps.
Activity: Participants edit their photos from previous sessions, focusing on enhancing the emotional impact.
Session 7: Exploring Different Perspectives
Objective: Encourage participants to see the world from different perspectives.
Activity: Participants take photos from unusual angles or viewpoints, reflecting on how perspective influences identity.
Session 8: Peer Review and Feedback
Objective: Foster a supportive community by sharing work and giving constructive feedback.
Activity: Group session where participants share their photos and discuss the stories behind them.
Session 9: Deepening the Theme of Identity
Objective: Encourage deeper exploration of personal identity.
Activity: Participants are asked to create a series of images that reflect more complex or abstract aspects of their identity.
Session 10: Creating a Personal Photo Narrative
Objective: Combine skills learned to create a cohesive narrative.
Activity: Participants plan and shoot a photo essay that tells a comprehensive story about their identity.
Session 11: Preparing for the Exhibition
Objective: Prepare work for the final exhibition, focusing on curation and presentation.
Activity: Participants select their best works, edit them, and write accompanying texts that explain the significance of the images.
Session 12: Final Exhibition and Reflection
Objective: Present the completed work in an exhibition; reflect on the process.
Activity: Participants present their work in a group exhibition, followed by a reflection session discussing what they’ve learned about themselves and their identity.
Project 2: "Through the Looking Glass: Analog Portraits of Identity"
Target Community:Marginalised Men, LCB Clientele
Medium: Analog Photography
Session 1: Introduction to Analog Photography
Objective: Introduce the project and basics of analogue photography.
Activity: Overview of analogue cameras, film types, and the process of shooting with film.
Session 2: Understanding Composition
Objective: Learn about composition techniques in photography.
Activity: Participants practice shooting with analogue cameras, focusing on composition and framing.
Session 3: Portrait Photography Basics
Objective: Explore techniques specific to portrait photography.
Activity: Participants take portraits of each other, practicing how to capture emotion and personality.
Session 4: Symbolic Portraiture
Objective: Introduce the concept of symbolic portraiture.
Activity: Participants photograph subjects with objects or in settings that represent aspects of their identity.
Session 5: Introduction to Darkroom Techniques
Objective: Introduce participants to darkroom processing.
Activity: Participants learn how to develop their film and create prints from their negatives.
Session 6: Creating Narrative Series
Objective: Teach participants to create a series of images that tell a story.
Activity: Participants shoot a series of portraits or scenes that represent a narrative about their identity.
Session 7: Exploring Light and Shadow
Objective: Experiment with lighting to enhance the emotional impact of photos.
Activity: Participants use natural and artificial light in their portraiture, focusing on how light and shadow affect mood.
Session 8: Group Critique and Feedback
Objective: Provide a supportive space for sharing work and receiving feedback.
Activity: Group critique where participants present their work and discuss the ideas behind their images.
Session 9: Developing Personal Themes
Objective: Encourage deeper exploration of personal themes.
Activity: Participants create a new series of photos focusing on more abstract or complex themes related to identity.
Session 10: Advanced Darkroom Techniques
Objective: Learn advanced darkroom techniques, such as dodging and burning.
Activity: Participants develop and enhance their most recent series of photos.
Session 11: Preparing for Exhibition
Objective: Curate and prepare work for the final exhibition.
Activity: Participants select and prepare their best images for display, including writing captions and artist statements.
Session 12: Final Exhibition and Reflection
Objective: Display work in a final exhibition and reflect on the project.
Activity: Participants present their work in an exhibition, followed by a group reflection session discussing their experiences and what they’ve learned.
Project 3: "Digital Narratives: Telling My Story Through Photography"
Target Community: Marginalised men, LCB Clientele
Medium: Digital Photography
Medium: Digital Photography
Session 1: Introduction and Project Overview
Objective: Introduce the project and its goals, focusing on the theme of personal identity.
Activity: Group discussion on identity and the role of photography in storytelling.
Session 2: Basics of Digital Photography
Objective: Teach basic photography techniques, including composition, focus, and exposure.
Activity: Participants practice taking photos with digital cameras, focusing on basic techniques.
Session 3: Self-Portraiture as Healing
Objective: Explore self-portraiture as a tool for self-expression and healing.
Activity: Participants create self-portraits that express different aspects of their identity.
Session 4: Telling Stories Through Objects
Objective: Use objects to tell personal stories through photography.
Activity: Participants photograph objects that have personal significance, creating a narrative through these images.
Session 5: Exploring Light and Emotion
Objective: Experiment with lighting techniques to convey emotion in photography.
Activity: Participants take photos that explore the relationship between light, shadow, and emotion.
Session 6: Creating a Personal Photo Series
Objective: Develop a series of images that tell a personal story.
Activity: Participants plan and shoot a series of photos that narrate a key part of their personal identity or experience.
Session 7: One-on-One Mentorship
Objective: Provide personalized guidance to refine participants' work.
Activity: Participants meet individually with mentors to discuss their ongoing projects and receive feedback.
Session 8: Peer Sharing and Support
Objective: Create a supportive space for sharing work and providing feedback.
Activity: Group session where participants present their photo series and discuss their narratives.
Session 9: Advanced Editing Techniques
Objective: Learn advanced editing techniques to enhance storytelling in photography.
Activity: Participants edit their photos, focusing on enhancing the emotional and narrative impact.
Session 10: Developing a Digital Narrative
Objective: Combine images and text to create a cohesive digital narrative.
Activity: Participants write captions or short stories to accompany their images, creating a multimedia narrative.
Session 11: Preparing for Online Exhibition
Objective: Prepare work for an online exhibition, focusing on curation and presentation.
Activity: Participants select their best work, write accompanying narratives, and prepare the content for an online gallery.
Session 12: Final Online Exhibition and Reflection
Objective: Present work in an online exhibition and reflect on the project.
Activity: Participants showcase their digital narratives in an online exhibition, followed by a group reflection session discussing the impact of the project on their personal growth and identity.
These lesson plans provide a structured approach to each project, gradually building participants' skills and confidence while exploring the theme of personal identity through different photographic mediums. Each session is designed to be both therapeutic and educational, fostering a deeper understanding of self through the art-making process.
Equipment Needed
Here’s a comprehensive list of equipment needed to facilitate the three projects:
Project 1: "iSelf: Capturing Identity Through the Lens of the iPhone"
Target Community: Youth in marginalized areas of Limerick
Medium: iPhone Photography
Medium: iPhone Photography
Equipment Needed:
Smart Phones Enough devices for all participants, with decent camera quality.
Phone Stands/Tripods: For stable shots and self-portraits.
Portable Lighting Kits: Compact, battery-powered lights for enhancing indoor and outdoor shots.
External Lenses: Clip-on lenses (wide-angle, macro) to expand creative possibilities.
Power Banks: Portable chargers to ensure phones don’t run out of battery during sessions.
Photo Editing Apps: Subscriptions or access to mobile editing apps like VSCO, Snapseed, or Lightroom Mobile.
Memory Storage/Cloud Backup: iCloud or Google Drive space for backing up and sharing photos.
Printing Station: A portable photo printer for instant prints during sessions.
Notebooks and Pens: For participants to jot down ideas, reflections, and plans.
Display Boards and Materials: For creating physical displays of printed photos during reviews and exhibitions.
Wi-Fi Access: To facilitate uploading and sharing of digital content.
Project 2: "Through the Looking Glass: Analog Portraits of Identity"
Target Community: Adults from marginalized communities, including immigrants and refugees
Medium: Analogue Photography
Medium: Analogue Photography
Equipment Needed:
Analog Cameras: 35mm film cameras (manual focus recommended), enough for all participants.
Film Rolls: A sufficient supply of 35mm film rolls (colour and black & white) for the duration of the project.
Camera Tripods: For stable shooting, especially during portrait sessions.
Lighting Kits: Studio lighting for controlled portrait sessions.
Film Developing Equipment:
Film Developing Tanks and Reels
Chemicals for developing (developer, stop bath, fixer)
Thermometer, Graduates, and Stirring Rods
Darkroom Supplies:
Enlarger and Lenses
Photographic Paper (for prints)
Trays for chemical baths (developer, stop, fix)
Safe Lights, Tongs, and Timer
Drying Racks and Squeegees
Contact Sheets/Proofing Station: Lightbox and magnifying glass for reviewing negatives.
Scanners: High-resolution film scanners for digitizing negatives.
Print Storage: Archival-quality boxes and sleeves for storing negatives and prints.
Photo Albums/Portfolios: For participants to organize and present their final prints.
Notebooks and Pens: For participants to document their processes, thoughts, and ideas.
Exhibition Supplies: Frames, mounting boards, and display stands for the final exhibition.
Project 3: "Digital Narratives: Telling My Story Through Photography"
Target Community: Marginalized men, LCB Clientele
Medium: Digital Photography
Equipment Needed:
Digital Cameras: DSLR or mirrorless cameras with various lenses (wide-angle, portrait) for all participants.
Camera Tripods: For stable shots, especially in low light.
External Lighting Kits: Portable lighting setups for indoor and outdoor shoots.
Memory Cards: High-capacity SD cards for storing photos during the project.
Laptops/Computers: For downloading, editing, and storing photos.
Photo Editing Software: Licenses for Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or free alternatives like GIMP.
External Hard Drives: For backing up photos and storing large files.
Printers and Ink: High-quality photo printers and paper for printing final images.
Portable Studio Setups: Backdrops, reflectors, and light diffusers for portrait sessions.
Smartphones/Tablets: For editing and reviewing work on the go.
Wi-Fi Access: To facilitate digital sharing and cloud backups.
Presentation Materials: Digital projectors or large screens for reviewing and showcasing work in group sessions.
Notebooks and Pens: For participants to note down ideas, drafts, and reflections.
Website Hosting and Design Tools: For creating an online exhibition space for participants’ final work.
Exhibition Supplies: For the final online or physical exhibition, such as frames, mounts, or digital display setups.
These equipment lists ensure that participants have the necessary tools to fully engage with each project, from the creative process to the final exhibition of their work.
Summary of Proposal
The three socially engaged art projects—iSelf, Through the Looking Glass, and Digital Narratives—offer significant importance and benefits to marginalized communities by empowering participants to explore and express their personal identities, fostering a sense of belonging, and promoting emotional well-being.
1. iSelf: Capturing Identity Through the Lens of the iPhone
Empowerment and Self-Expression: This project allows participants to use accessible technology (iPhones) to capture and explore their identities creatively. It empowers them to tell their stories visually, giving them a voice in a way that feels immediate and personal.
Building Confidence: By producing art that reflects their unique perspectives, participants build self-esteem and confidence, which can be particularly impactful for those who feel voiceless or overlooked in society.
2. Through the Looking Glass: Analog Portraits of Identity
Slowing Down and Reflecting: The analogue photography process encourages participants to slow down, be intentional, and reflect on their experiences. This deliberate pace can help individuals develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.
Community and Connection: As participants engage in this shared creative process, they build connections with others in their community, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support, which is crucial for marginalized groups.
3. Digital Narratives: Telling My Story Through Photography
Healing and Resilience: This project helps participants to process and express their personal stories and experiences. By framing their narratives visually, they can find healing and build resilience in the face of challenges.
Visibility and Advocacy: By sharing their digital narratives, participants can raise awareness about their lives and struggles, potentially influencing public perception and advocating for greater understanding and inclusion of their community.
Overall Benefits:
Psychological Well-being: All three projects promote mental health by encouraging mindfulness, self-reflection, and creative expression, which can reduce stress and improve emotional resilience.
Social Integration: The projects foster social connections and a sense of community, helping participants to feel valued and supported.
Cultural Representation: By creating and sharing their work, participants contribute to the cultural narrative, ensuring that the voices and experiences of marginalized communities are seen and heard.
In summary, these projects offer marginalized communities a powerful means of self-expression, emotional healing, and social connection, all of which are crucial for individual and collective empowerment.
