Faces From Our Town is a series of photography portraiture workshops presented in Tasmanian schools by photographer and teacher and TATA member Paul County.

The project is supported by The Tasmanian Art Teachers Association(TATA) and project partner The Multicultural Council of Tasmania(MCOT).

IN THE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS

  • Students will learn about the history of Tasmanian photography and how it has shaped our identity by examining images from influential Australian and international photographers and artists.

  • A major goal is to encourage students to be curious and experiment and learn how to plan, develop and create unique artworks which challenge the conventions of what is a portrait.

  • The workshop will also address important issues regarding body image and how the manipulated and unrealistic images of individuals are often portrayed in social media as ‘normal’.

  • The workshop will examine how images are incredibly powerful and there are ethics and responsibilities around making and sharing images on social media. 

  • Students will also learn through hands on experiences how to produce original high quality artworks in a world where images are easily manipulated and artificially generated. 

  • The workshop addresses racism and discrimination through the production of a formal portrait of a migrant or refugee.

    THE PORTRAITS AND STORIES

  • Students will assist in producing a FORMAL PORTRAIT of an invited guest who has a story about their migration to Tasmania. The portraits will also include their story about how racism and discrimination may affect their lives.

  • The stories also examines the individual’s story about where they lived and how they travelled to Tasmania and why.

‍ ‍ THE ONLINE EXHIBITION AND THE TEACHERS KIT

  • The final portraits and stories form the Faces From Our Town exhibition. The online exhibition includes a Teacher’s lesson plan and assessment guide, so teachers can set assessable assignments relating to the series of portraits and stories. The work will also be exhibited in galleries throughout Tasmania.

  • PROJECT SUPPORTERS

  • The project has received funding from a Department of State Growth Social Cohesion Grant and grants from the Devonport and ClarenceCouncils, The Glenorchy Community Fund and Tasports.

Paul County is a photographer and educator. He leads the Faces From Our Town project.

See Paul’s portraiture portfolio.

Work with Paul.