A photo contest will let those on the street and with a roof over their head to come together and share their experiences. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Spencer Sterritt

snapshot

Photo contest hopes to change perspectives about homelessness in Nanaimo

Jan 24, 2020 | 8:39 AM

NANAIMO — A new type of contest aims to take a snapshot and provide a different take on a common sight in Nanaimo.

The Changing Perspectives photo contest starting in February provides free disposable cameras to clients of Island Crisis Care Society and the Men’s Centre. The cameras will be used to capture life on the streets in eight separate categories including life, abstract, nature close up and gratefulness.

The contest was created with marketing agency Box 221, who’s founder Scott Cooper told NanaimoNewsNOW it’s hoped the contest will help reduce the stigma about homelessness.

“I believe if you give people the opportunity to see the artistic side of any person, it allows you to see them as more an individual and less like a problem in your community.” _{Scott Cooper}

Cooper said they selected a wide variety of categories which were easy to understand but allowed for depth and creativity including his favourite, life.

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“It gives people the opportunity to showcase what’s going on in their life and what they’re experiencing. To find the beauty in their own life, I think, is a great opportunity.”

Disposable cameras will also be available to purchase from retailers throughout Nanaimo.

Corrie Corfield with Island Crisis Care Society said having both those experiencing homelessness and those who have a roof over their head take part in the photo contest puts everyone on an even playing field.

“People have the opportunity to compete neck and neck against each other, regardless of where they happen to be in their life situation.”

Theo Boere, executive director of the Men’s Centre echoed her sentiments, saying the contest will show life from a variety of angles.

“It’s going to show we all have similarities and ultimately we’re all human beings. We forget that by compartmentalizing individuals in certain boxes. It gets in the way of us seeing the human beings in the box.”

Photos will be taken until March 23.

A variety of judges, including Nanaimo’s mayor Leonard Krog, will judge the photos submitted with winning photos collected into photo books and prints for sale.

Proceeds will go directly toward the Island Crisis Care Society and the Men’s Centre.

Retailers and business owners interested in taking part and offering the disposable camera kits can sign up online.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit