Engaging Pictures project

Engaging Pictures project

The ‘Engaging Pictures’ project aimed to improve participants' skills and confidence in promoting a better dialogue around migration through developing their strategic messaging around migration and producing images and words which communicate positive messages to create better understanding amongst communities.

During 2013, Migrant Voice brought together a group of migrants and individuals from the host community, who were interested in building more inclusive communities. Participants were trained and supported in strategic messaging, understanding public attitude, and creative communication by a number of media and communication experts on an in kind basis. The project’s photographer produced exhibition quality images for the project, telling the stories of 10 migrants to Scotland and their contribution to life there.

The final exhibition had images displayed as printed photos, with accompanying texts to celebrate Migrants' contribution to Scotland. The project culminated with three exhibitions of the photos and text with facilitated workshops for the public, including an exhibition at the Scottish Parliament, Glasgow Caledonian University and at the Glasgow Centre for Contemporary Arts.

By bringing participants from migrant and host communities together and exhibiting in various locations, the project created a space for dialogue, and real engagement over an issue well recognised for its sensitivity and tensions.  

The project was funded by Big Lottery, Awards for All Scotland.