›› Christian Caicedo
The Fernwood Photovoice Project is growing and providing a unique platform for community members to express themselves through photography and storytelling. Rooted in Fernwood’s rich artistic spirit—spanning music, theatre, painting, and mural painting—this initiative combines both photography and storytelling as a tools for social change and community engagement.
At its core, Photovoice is a participatory method that empowers individuals to share their personal experiences, challenges, and community memories through images. By capturing everyday moments and significant events, participants highlight both the beauty and complexity of life in Fernwood. Fernwood NRG recognizes that community participation is the best way to make decisions that truly reflect the needs and desires of its residents. Through this collaborative process, Fernwood NRG helps ensure that everyone’s story is heard and valued, creating a more inclusive and engaged community.
What sets Fernwood Photovoice apart is its emphasis on community involvement from the very beginning. Together with residents, we’ve decided on key locations and events to photograph, selected accessible devices—from instant cameras to smartphones—and identified skills people want to learn. This led to the creation of three successful storytelling workshops, bringing together community members, volunteers, university students, and local non-profits.
Originally launched at the Fernwood Community Dinner, the project’s impact has expanded to other initiatives, events, and programs.
Today, more than 900 photos—both digital and physical—showcase Fernwood as a place to live, work, and visit.
Now, we’re putting together a core team to host “Photo Conversations”—community-led discussions around the photos and stories that best capture our collective memories. This group will also play a key role in selecting the stories that will be featured in the exhibition, as well as deciding together on the best way to design and present it. Yes! we’re planning a physical and digital exhibition for early 2025. Whether you want to contribute your photos, be part of the Photo Conversations, or get involved in this growing project in any way, contact Christian at Christian.C@fernwoodnrg.ca.
Join us in capturing Fernwood’s story, one photo at a time.
