Project Background - Through Different Eyes: The Faces of Poverty in Virginia

PROJECT BACKGROUND
In early 2004, a small group of volunteers agreed to create a public education project for the Virginia Poverty Law Center. Our purpose was to commit the power of interpretive documentary photography to translate the relevance of the only statewide nonprofit working on behalf of low-income families and individuals. Little did we know that lessons learned during the Depression era could so accurately be applied to the 21st century. Through our combined energies, our band of volunteers grew to include some of the most generous and talented people in our community.

Initially we prepared an open call for entries to all adult photographers — professional and amateur — so as to encourage as many types of entries as possible. We sent invitation posters and fliers to every major photography program in the region, as well as to all the photography associations. Sponsors agreed to support the cost of award prizes so that the photographers might be encouraged to take time from their professional and personal lives to participate. In July 2005, a jury of four internationally recognized photography experts met in Richmond to review hundreds of images, and their process was deliberate, respectful, and collaborative. During this time, several designers and writers agreed to develop the exhibit and testimonials into a publication, and this book is scheduled to be produced in early 2006 as the exhibit travels through the Virginia Museum's statewide education programming. At many points during its creative development, we have been amazed and proud to be a part of the process.

The results of our project are just now unfolding. The Steering Committee of Through Different Eyes: Faces of Poverty in Virginia is pleased to bring to the community an exhibit of many stories. The depth of the portrayals stands on its own, as does the beauty of the execution. While we encourage you to spend time looking through the eyes of these photographers, we also hope that you know the individuals in this exhibit to be your neighbors and friends. The Virginia Poverty Law Center endeavors to better the human condition in ways that improve life for all of us in the Commonwealth. Through Different Eyes: The Faces of Poverty in Virginia is a unique attempt to stimulate conversation and awareness so that our shared futures are bright.