We Are Here: Photo project documents journeys of immigrants

Donald Mhlaba's piece in the "We Are Here" exhibition.

Over the course of 47 years, Donald Mhlaba's journey has taken him from Zimbabwe to the United Kingdom to the west coast of Newfoundland.

He documented who he is and where he currently lives as part of the "We Are Here" photography project.

The initative celebrates the journeys people take to get where they are today and to think about who they are. It's a partnership of the School of Fine Arts, the Centre for Research and Innovation and the Association for New Canadians - Corner Brook (ANC-CB), with funding from Memorial University's Public Engagement Office.

"We (participants) got to think about our old connections — where we are from — and new connections — how we are fitting in with life in Corner Brook or Newfoundland and Canada as a whole," said Mr. Mhlaba.

"We Are Here" was exhibited at Grenfell Campus's art gallery.

Members and friends of the Association of New Canadians, including students, graduates, children of immigrants, new citizens AIP immigrants and permanent residents, worked together as a group, using high quality digital cameras that were provided by the School of Fine Arts.

"They learned to take photos in ways that they may not have thought of before," said Dr. Peter Ride, dean of the School of Fine Arts. "All of us have been on different sorts of journeys — sometimes from one country to another and sometimes other sorts of journeys in life."

"We Are Here" was showcased in a number of partner locations.

A photography workshop held by Liane Harris, a specialist in participatory photography projects, resulted in an exhibition at Grenfell's art gallery and showcases in other partner places in downtown Corner Brook, including Colemans, the Hew and Draw Hotel, Rotary Arts Centre, WOWO restaurant and 62 Broadway.

"The project presented me with an opportunity to learn more about photography," said Mr. Mhlaba. "I learned how to use a DSLR camera and gain more information about photography. It was a valuable experience because the workshop gave me an opportunity to mingle with fellow immigrants living in the community as well as learning and appreciating the different cultures represented. The skills gained will be used to enhance my photography passion and quality of photos l take. Thanks to the ANC. Memorial University, Dr. Ride and Liane Harris for the opportunity."