London, UK, 9 October 2024 - The Canon Young People Programme (CYPP) has collaborated with Norwich University of the Arts to deliver a three-day visual storytelling workshop to four local schools in the University’s new Bank Plain building.
Canon Young People Programme inspires the next generation of creative storytellers in collaboration with Norwich University of the Arts
Led by Canon Ambassador Elisa Iannacone, the workshops focused on the United Nations’ Sustainability Development Goal 13 ‘climate action’. To bring this to life, Elisa provided examples of how the students could photograph waste and recycling materials providing a strong emphasis on the power of creative storytelling, and how creators’ perspectives are instilled in their work – highlighting the importance of fact-checking and ‘real versus constructed’ narratives. She also left the students with the understanding that storytelling with photography is a powerful medium for raising awareness, fostering meaningful dialogue and triggering change. This shone through the various pieces of work the groups produced for the final exhibition, a demonstration of having found their ‘photographic voice’ to effect change given the current global climate of information overload, political instability and proliferation of social media.
Canon Ambassador Elisa Iannacone said: “Our world is going through so many changes and as photographers, our storytelling enables people to view the world through our lens. Spending time with this group of students has been so rewarding, helping to frame their perspectives, build their confidence and igniting their passion for creative storytelling. I’ve been blown away by the quality of work they produced. The future of photography is bright indeed.”
Participating students were also supported in their response to the brief by a number of Norwich University’s own student ambassadors adding a different dimension to the workshops, and immediately putting those participating in the workshops at ease.
James Smith, Course Leader, Photography at Norwich University of the Arts said: “We’ve been working with Canon for a number of years through our Beyond the Frame initiative, and it’s been fantastic to have collaborated with the team on this. The Canon Young People Programme has enabled us to engage with schools in our local community in a completely different way; through the power of imagery. It’s been phenomenal to watch the students grow in confidence throughout the day and see the standard of both the creative thought and storytelling that went into their final pieces.”
Kate Green, Teacher of Art and Photography, Sewell Park Academy said: “It’s been a brilliant opportunity for the students. Having the experts on hand to talk to the students through the settings of the cameras they were using and some of the tricks to simplify the process was great to watch. The involvement of the students from Norwich University was a great addition to this activity and made the task seem a little less daunting for the younger students. I’ve been pleasantly surprised to see students who are rather quiet within the classroom environment really come out of their shells and get hands on with the project. Seeing them volunteer to take the shots or be the mannequin has been a really heartwarming experience.”
The three-day workshop saw over 100 local students from City College Norwich & Taverham High School, Ormiston Victory and Sewell Park Academy in attendance. Between the ages of 13 and 18, the students had the opportunity to creatively express themselves through visual storytelling.
Nathan Dua, Education Segment Manager, ITCG said: “Working with young people is one of the most gratifying experiences of my role. I’m thrilled to have nurtured our relationship with Norwich University of the Arts, through our Beyond the Frame partnership to working hand-in-hand with them to deliver this workshop in their incredible space, The Bank Plain. I’m looking forward to extending this project as part of our social value promise to other communities we work with.”
Adam Pensotti, Head of the Canon Young People Programme said: “Our Canon Young People Programme continues to make impact across EMEA, and we’re excited to have partnered with Canon UK&I and Norwich University of the Arts for this activity. A huge appreciation goes out to our Canon Ambassador, Elisa Iannacone for inspiring the future storytellers – be they photographers or filmmakers or content creators – empowering them to deliver their own answers to our brief.”
Visit here for more about the Canon Young People Programme: Empowering the next generation - Canon UK