Portland youth are using photos to engage local residents in a conversation about health in an art show at Metro Regional Center Wednesday.
The project, called Photovoice, is geared toward children and young adults 18 years and younger – all from outer Southeast Portland. Partnering with parents and other adults, the youth were given cameras and asked to document the urban amenities and play structures that play a role in their community's health.
Participants were also asked to show where improvements could be made.
Common themes of the show include the need for neighborhood connectivity, safe biking and walking routes, and more options for healthy food.
ROSE Community Development – the housing agency that created Photovoice – hopes the project will make an impact how the community views the health needs of outer Southeast Portland. Participants will share their thoughts at the exhibit, titled "People in Action for Change."
Opening night is 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 600 NE Grand Ave., in Portland. There is no cost for admission, and the exhibit will be open during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ROSE Community Development manages five properties where the youth reside. Since 2010, ROSE has been a partner in the Healthy Kids Healthy Communities Initiative, a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to prevent childhood obesity.