January 2025
My involvement with the CAMERA project originated through my role with the Dreams and Aspirations group at the Annexe in Partick, where I was conducting research for the University of Glasgow. My academic work involved running arts-based workshops to explore the impacts of multiple long-term health conditions on individuals’ wellbeing. Here, I met Dr Alessia Zinnari and Alex Withey, who invited me to join their ‘CAMERA’ project as a research consultant. My expertise as an arts-based researcher and adult educator, alongside my ability to document outputs using visual notes, positioned me well for an advisory role with their project.
Alessia and Alex are facilitators who employ trauma-informed practices to create an inclusive and welcoming environment. The addition of informal lunches before each session allowed participants to connect socially, relax and feel supported, which established a foundation for meaningful engagement. Alessia and Alex were attentive to participants’ needs, fostering a sense of value and camaraderie through their warm and inclusive approach. The environment they cultivated encouraged participants to engage at a level that felt comfortable, thereby enabling the development of new skills and creative confidence.
The integration of photography and creative expression served as a powerful mechanism for education and connection. Participants responded positively to the deliberate and reflective process of using film cameras, expressing joy in the tangible experience of printed photographs. This tactile aspect, coupled with activities such as zine-making, facilitated self-expression and exploration. The visual notes I produced captured these dynamic sessions and highlighted the significant growth of participants and the impact of the project on adult learners (see Figure 1 for a hand-drawn visual note and Figure 2 for a digital rendering).
The CAMERA project exemplifies the transformative potential of creativity in adult learning. By skilfully merging visual art and written expression, the initiative built confidence and a strong sense of community. Alessia and Alex inspire participants to explore their creative potential. Observing and contributing to this innovative project has been both rewarding and inspiring. I look forward to the development of a practitioner toolkit which will come from this work and help support the delivery of image and word-based activities in community settings.
