HIVAN and Sinikithemba launch ?“Phila Impilo / Live Life?” photo project

HIVAN, in partnership with the Sinikithemba HIV/AIDS Care Centre at McCord Hospital, conducted a participatory photography project involving members of the Care Centre support group.

The project, which was run from mid-2003 to July 2004, commenced with a two-day workshop, during which participants explored the technology behind camera usage and picture-taking, the importance of images, recording personal history, story-telling and montage creation. The programme also included a visit to a children?’s photo exhibition on display at the Durban Art Gallery.

The project promoted personal reflection, critical dialogue and self-knowledge. Participants moved from an initial reluctance to expose their personal stories and life images to a keen desire to share them with invited others.

The project was underpinned by participatory principles: the men and women who took part were engaged fully in the process from the initial planning stages to final decisions about the exhibition. Through this participatory process, members of the Sinikithemba support group have been enabled to portray their lives as a means of personal empowerment and self-expression. All members of this project are confident that these graphic essays will encourage persons who live in difficult circumstances to share their experiences with others in a climate of hope and healing.

The contents of the graphic essays in this project are entirely the product of their creators, and were first displayed at an exhibition opening held in the Sinikithemba Chapel on 3 August 2004. The Project Team members were:

Principal Co-ordinator Veronica Wilson, a graduate student from Birmingham University (UK) serving in the VSO, and Maud Mhlongo, Sinikithemba Care Centre?’s Chief Social Worker was the Key Partner. Jill Kruger, HIVAN Deputy Director (Social & Behavioural Sciences) was the Project Consultant, and research support was provided by HIVAN Research Associate Fiona Scorgie. The Project Facilitator was Bren Brophy, HIVAN Artists?’ Action Around AIDS Co-ordinator, and Nonhlanhla Mjiwari, Deputy Social Worker from Sinikithemba Care Centre, provided general assistance. Community Mentors were photographer André Smith and contemporary visual artist, Gabi Ngcobo.

The sponsors who made this project possible, and to whom special thanks are due, were: PhotoWorld, Musgrave, for the crucial donation of disposable cameras, as well as the development and printing of photographs; BONA Magazine for materials used in the workshop on montage creation; McCord Hospital, Sinikithemba and HIVAN for practical support of various kinds; Atlantic Philanthropies and The Carnegie Corporation of New York for financial assistance.