ABOUT THE PROJECT

LexArts wants you to participate in our community-wide PhotoVoice project! This project, in partnership with the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, focuses on how aspects of the Lexington community affect our mental health.

As a resident or person who has a connection to Fayette County, your Lexington experience is unique. What aspects of Lexington have created challenges or concerns for you, especially related to mental health? What aspects do you enjoy and make your quality of life better? What could be done to improve your life as a person who lives or works in this community?

We ask that you submit photos showcasing what you consider to be strengths and concerns of our Lexington community, specifically related to mental health. 

Along with each photo, please include a description about what that strength or concern is and how it could impact mental health, either positively or negatively. We have included examples of past submissions within this form.

*In November, photographs created by PhotoVoice participants may be included in an exhibition at ArtsPlace to share the work with the public.* 

 
MORE ABOUT PHOTOVOICE

The PhotoVoice method is inspired by the idea that “a photograph is worth a thousand words” and that photography can be used to create positive social change.

PhotoVoice projects utilize a process where participants create photographs to showcase aspects of their community, environment, and daily experiences to share with others. 

The main goals of PhotoVoice projects are to help participants understand the forces and circumstances that impact their lives as well as bring about change by sharing experiences with the public and influencing policy makers.

 

To learn more about LexArts' Arts and Health initiatives, visit https://lexarts.org/arts-and-health/. 

For questions, please contact abarnes@lexarts.org.

Image Caption: "A refuge from the stress of urban life, Lexington-Fayette County has preserved much of the green space outside the city. Access is an issue, though, for many, who live in the urban core of our city."

Image Caption: "Family and friends experience pain when losing someone to drug addiction. Death by overdose leaves a wake of devastation. Grief tends to center us in this way by removing color from the world."

Image Caption: "According to recent news reports, there are around 400 evictions every month in Lexington. There are mental health consequences resulting from housing challenges, and it is important that we work quickly to find a way to provide an environment that offers affordable shelter."

Image Caption: "New Vista provides mental health services and is located in downtown Lexington. The limited hours of operations can be a barrier for individuals who want to seek services but have competing demands like their work schedule or childcare needs."

Along with each of your photos, please write a short caption or description to go along with the image. Your caption should be no longer than 5 sentences and answer the following questions:

What is this a photo of? What strength or concern is the photo showing?

How does this strength or weakness impact mental health?

What do other people need to know about this strength or concern in Lexington?