The “Shared Visions” project, under the Erasmus+ KA154-YOU – Youth participation project in cooperation with our French partner organisation Rakonto, aimed to support the integration of Ukrainian refugees and migrants into French and Polish society through photography. By providing a creative and expressive platform, the project seeks to allow refugees and migrants to communicate their experiences, emotions, and challenges while fostering dialogue and connection with local youth, organizations, and policymakers.
Main Objectives:
- Create a safe space for young refugees and migrants to express themselves.
- Foster social unity by connecting youth, migrants, and decision-makers.
- Raise awareness of refugee and migrant challenges.
- Encourage youth participation in culture, society, and civic life.
Project activities
A five-day study visit for refugees, migrants, and local youth focused on the technical aspects of photography. The goal is to acquire basic knowledge of how a camera works, composition, lighting, post-processing, and other relevant technical aspects while also fostering interaction and understanding between different communities.
The workshops covered: photography basics (camera operation, composition, lighting, and editing), photography as a tool for integration, democracy and civic participation, visual storytelling, collaborative group photo storytelling and content selection for an exhibition, photo editing and retouching, and exhibition design and preparation.
During this study visit we engaged with the local community, captured stories, and explored photography. A mountain hike gave us the opportunity for reflection and learning. Also we prepared for the final exhibition at Przystanek Kultury near the iconic Bałtyk building.
During all our project young migrants from France and Poland participated in photography workshops and study visits, capturing their personal experiences. Based on their works, we created an exhibition with support from Concordia Design Poznan at Przystań Sztuki that challenged media stereotypes about migration. The photographers remained anonymous in solidarity with Belarusian participants, for whom involvement could have been risky.
The second part of the exhibition was in partnership with the artistic NGO KUT, which works with young migrants from Belarus. Some of our participants were from Belarus, and it was important for them to cooperate with this organisation and showcase their work to the Belorusian community in Poznan.
Project partners
Project was implemented by Logos Polska from Poland and Raconto from France
