Public Policy Research Center
OVERVIEW: THE PPRC PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT
A program of the Public Policy Research Center at the University of Missouri St. Louis
Mel Watkin, Director
watkinm@umsl.edu
The Photography Project is a program of the Public Policy Research Center at the University of Missouri St. Louis. Each year since 2004 the PPRC Photography Project has taught participants from three to six community groups to take high quality photographs of their work to improve the quality of life in St. Louis. These groups address issues in four categories: community revitalization, historic preservation, youth/older adult enrichment, and social services. After a community group’s 10-13 weeks of training is complete, a selection of their best photographs is shown in two simultaneous exhibitions that remain on view for 2 to 3 months. The exhibitions are shown at two locations: one at the PPRC Photography Project Gallery on the University of Missouri St. Louis campus and another in businesses, libraries or community centers in the neighborhoods where community group participants live or work.
MISSION:
The mission of the PPRC Photography Project is use art to raise the visibility of community groups working to improve the quality of life in St.Louis.
VISION:
Through partnerships with St. Louis community groups, the Photography Project strives to bring arts training and exhibitions directly into St. Louis neighborhoods while also highlighting the undertakings of local organizations working towards the greater good and inspiring people to get involved with their communities.
FUNDING and ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
This website was made possible through the generosity of the Whitaker Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Missouri Arts Council, the Arts & Education Council and the Regional Arts Commission with major support from the Public Policy Research Center at the University of Missouri St. Louis. Special thanks are extended to Chinyere E. Oteh, Lois Ingrum, Lyndsey Scott and Alex Ingrum for their hard work organizing and inputting every detail on this site!