BELONGING, COMMUNITY AND EMPOWERMENT THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY (Winter 2024). In-Sight Photography Project's vision is to be a place where youth (ages 11 to 18) are welcomed to create through the photographic arts, digitally or in the darkroom. To achieve their vision, In-Sight’s mission is to create opportunities where youth can learn photography as an expressive medium and technical skill in a classroom setting that respects the diversity of each student. In all programs at their facility or in partnership with others, In-Sight values using photography to generate belonging, community and empowerment. Beyond our classes in darkroom and digital photography, youth are able to:

* Participate in group projects and community events through the Photo Club;
* Take on an internship teaching or supporting In-Sight behind the scenes;
* Share artwork publicly in our gallery or out in the community.

In-Sight’s work is important because it recognizes that the visual arts are an essential positive force in a young person’s life, yet despite that, access to the arts is not equitable. Opportunities to learn or explore the arts as a career are often financially inaccessible to youth in our region because of the cost of equipment, supplies, classes and mentorship. In-Sight removes as many barriers as possible with a sliding scale class fee structure and partnership programs that are free for students; quality equipment is always provided. In-Sight prioritizes programs that:

* Seek to inspire young artists giving them unique experiences to learn valuable skills in photography and self-expression, as well as the space to create and display their work;
* Support our students’ natural curiosity and drive to experiment, encouraging positive healthy adolescent development nurturing resilience, confidence and communication;
* Build relationships between youth and working artists in the community.

In-Sight was founded in 1992 in a basement darkroom at the Brattleboro Teen Center. Thirty years later, In-Sight owns a professional level facility with digital and analog laboratories. Furthermore, In-Sight retains its reputation as a leader in photographic and art education because they have continued to have a tremendous impact in their community. In 2023, In-Sight reached 1,550 people through their classes, partnerships and events. Of that audience, 561 were youth; 136 youth took a class, and 56 youth went beyond the classes engaging in the photo team, a photo contest or an internship. In-Sight is a vital resource to the youth in the Brattleboro community, providing exceptional and equitable opportunities to experience the arts.

In the image, students from In-Sight’s 35mm Darkroom Experiments class display their darkroom prints.

Clowes Fund Field(s) of Interest: Arts Education

Grantees