The project uses participatory photography and sound narratives to create spaces for expression among teenagers and young people in territories affected by the DANA storm.
The result of the participatory process will be inaugurated at the Gent Jove space in Aldaia next Thursday the 24th at 7pm and will be on display until October 6th.
The project will continue with other processes and exhibitions in Benetússer, Beniparrell and the La Torre neighborhood
Participatory photography and sound narratives converge in the audiovisual exhibition “Stories that Transform,” which opens next Thursday, September 24, at 7:00 p.m. at the Gent Jove space in Aldaia and will be on display until October 6. The project, promoted by the Foundation for Justice, was carried out by María Sainz Arandia, Rosi Cózar Navarro, Miguel Buendía, and Miguel Ayala Tomás—professionals in photography, psychology, and sound creation, respectively—and has created a space for dialogue through participatory photography and sound to explore the perspectives and concerns of Aldaia's youth.
The fruit of a unique perspective
The experience transcended its initial objectives focused on addressing the psycho-emotional effects of the DANA storm, bringing personal stories to the surface. Some participants found in the project a way to process a particularly significant life experience, namely migration, and also demonstrated a great capacity for creative expression.
According to Sainz, one of the interesting aspects of the project was the use of disposable cameras. “Initially, the idea was for them to take photos with their mobile phones, but their everyday use of these devices led us to suggest they switch. The inability to see their photos as they took them and the experience of photographing with an unfamiliar tool sparked interest among the participants.”
An audiovisual exhibition in Gent Jove in Aldaia
For Sainz, one of the main results of the process is precisely having offered “a safe space for listening” and having allowed some of the participants to discover in photography “a tool to express and channel feelings.” Over the past few months, young people between the ages of 13 and 19 have worked through these creative disciplines, with psychological support, in “Stories that Transform: Building Resilience through Youth Artistic Expression,” funded by the Valencian Regional Government's Ministry of Social Services, Family and Childhood, in collaboration with the Youth Department of the Aldaia City Council.
The result? An immersive exhibition featuring photographs taken by young people, accompanied by audio narratives in which we can hear personal reflections, interviews with residents of the municipality, notes on the process, among others.
The project continues
Following the experience in Aldaia, “Stories that Transform” will continue in Benetússer, Beniparrell, and the La Torre neighborhood. The next phase will begin in Benetússer, in collaboration with the María Carbonell i Sánchez Secondary School and with students with special educational needs from the UECO classroom.
The project ultimately includes exhibitions in the participating municipalities, a joint exhibition, a publication, and a documentary about the process.
If you would like to know more about the project, you can contact María Sainz at mariasainz@fundacionporlajusticia.org
