Now Recruiting — Edmonton, AB

Your Photos.
Your Story.
Edmonton’s Future.

Join a participant-paid, community photography project and help shape the future of affordability in Edmonton. No experience needed — but your perspective and story is.

$22.30/hr honorarium No photography experience needed August – October 2026 Apply by July 26
Apply to Participate

Application deadline: July 26, 2026 — space is limited — up to 10 participants

Earn $22.30/hr

Paid honorarium for your time and participation

Valued at Edmonton’s living wage — because your story and your time matter

What is the Affordability Futures Photovoice Project?

Photovoice is a proven research method that puts cameras — and power — in the hands of people living in Edmonton every day. You take photos. You share the story behind them. We share them with Edmonton’s decision-makers.

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You take the photos

Using a camera (we can provide one if you don’t have one), you document what affordable living in Edmonton looks like to you — the good, the hard, and the in-between.

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You share your story

In small group sessions, you discuss your images, connect with others, and explore what affordability really means in your community.

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Edmonton sees and hears you

Your photos and stories are shared at a public exhibition, putting lived experience directly in front of the people making decisions about our city.

This Project Was Built For You

You don’t need any experience, equipment, or background in art or research. You just need to live in Edmonton and have something to say about affordability.

Paid Living Wage

Earn $22.30/hr — Edmonton’s living wage — for every session you attend. Your time has real value here.

Use Your Own Camera or Borrow Ours

Use your smartphone or camera — and if you don’t have access to one, we will supply one for you to use during the project. You bring your eyes, your experience, and your voice.

Learn New Skills

Photography, storytelling, research, group facilitation — skills that stay with you long after the project ends.

Snacks, Childcare & Transport Support

Snacks are provided at all sessions. We can help arrange transportation & childcare so cost is never a barrier.

Real Community

Connect with other Edmontonians who get it. Build relationships in a supported, welcoming group setting.

Your Voice at City Hall + a Community Exhibition

Your photos will be exhibited publicly, including at City Hall. This is how your story reaches policy and decision-makers.

Photovoice Key Dates

The project runs August through October 2026, with various dates. Participants attend group gatherings plus two public exhibitions. Below is the complete schedule.

Wed, Aug 5

Gathering 1 — Meeting One Another, Orientation + Photography Lesson

12:30 – 3:30 pm  ·  Meet your group, share your story, and learn about the Photovoice process. Snacks provided.

Mon, Aug 10

Gathering 2 — Photography, Storytelling and Everyday Life

1:00 – 3:00 pm  ·  Learn photography basics and explore how images tell stories about daily life.

Wed, Aug 12

Gathering 3 — Exploring Everyday Experiences and Walking Toward Affordability Futures

1:00 – 3:00 pm  ·  Go deeper into what affordability means in your community, and begin photographing your experience.

Mon, Aug 17

Gathering 4 — Sharing Images, Stories and Reflections

1:00 – 3:00 pm  ·  Share your photos with the group and reflect on what you’re seeing and experiencing.

Wed, Aug 19

Gathering 5 — Looking at Community, Systems and Daily Life

1:00 – 3:00 pm  ·  Examine how systems and structures shape the everyday experiences you’ve been documenting.

Mon, Aug 24

Gathering 6 — Deepening Reflection and Meaning

1:00 – 3:00 pm  ·  Dig deeper into the meaning behind your images and begin identifying powerful themes.

Wed, Aug 26

Gathering 7 — Finding Themes and Making Meaning Together

1:00 – 3:00 pm  ·  As a group, identify the themes that will shape your public exhibition. 2-week break follows to prepare for the exhibition.

Mon, Sept 14

Gathering 8 — Final Preparation for the Exhibition

1:00 – 3:00 pm  ·  Finalize your image selections and captions. You decide which photos tell your story publicly.

Wed, Sept 16

Gathering 9 — Final Preparation for the Exhibition, Continued

1:00 – 3:00 pm  ·  Final preparations and exhibition setup. Your work is almost ready for Edmonton to see.

Thurs, Sept 17

Gathering 10 — Community Sharing and Public Conversation

Community Exhibition  ·  4 hours setup & teardown + 2 hour exhibition. Invite your family and friends — this one is for Edmonton.

Mon, Sept 28

Gathering 11 — Reflection and Celebration

1:00 – 3:00 pm  ·  Come together to celebrate what you’ve built and reflect on the journey as a community.

Oct 13–25

Gathering 12 — City Hall Exhibition

October 13 – 15, 2026 (date to be confirmed)  ·  Your story, in front of the people who shape Edmonton’s policies and budgets. Community advocacy through art.

Two Public Exhibitions

Your photographs won’t stay in a folder — they’ll be on display for all of Edmonton to see, at venues where decisions about our city get made. A community-centred celebration of your work — invite your family, your friends, your neighbours.

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Community Exhibition

September 17, 2026

A community-centred celebration of your work. Invite your family, your friends, your neighbours. This one is for Edmonton.

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City Hall Exhibition

October 13–15, 2026 (date to be confirmed)

Your story, in front of the people who shape Edmonton’s policies and budgets. This is community advocacy through art.

This Is For You If…

You live in Edmonton and are 18 or older

Affordability — housing, food, transit, childcare — is part of your daily reality

You have something to say about what life in Edmonton is really like

You can commit to the gathering schedule (August – September 2026) and the exhibition dates

You want to connect with others who share similar experiences

You’re interested in seeing your voice actually reach decision-makers

📷  No photography experience, equipment, or arts background required — we provide everything and we pay you for your time.

Skills That Stay With You

Photovoice is more than a research project — it’s a skills-building experience you can carry into the rest of your life.

Photography Storytelling & Narrative Community Research Methods Public Speaking Advocacy & Facilitation Critical Thinking Image Analysis Group Collaboration Digital Literacy Community Engagement

Your Questions, Answered

Will this affect my income assistance or benefits?

We know this is a real concern. Honorarium payments may interact differently with different benefit programs. We encourage you to ask us directly so we can help you understand how the honorarium works in your specific situation — this will never be a reason to disqualify you.

I’ve never taken a photo in my life. Can I still apply?

Absolutely. We’ll teach you everything you need to know at the orientation session. The goal is your story — not technical skill. Some of the most powerful Photovoice images ever made were taken by first-time photographers.

How much time does it take?

The project runs between August 5 and September 28, 2026, plus two public exhibitions. Most sessions are 2 hours, with the exception of the opening gathering (3 hours) and the Community Exhibition (approx. 6 hours including setup and teardown). Snacks are provided at all sessions.

I have childcare and/or transportation challenges. Can I still join?

Yes — this is exactly why we want to hear from you. Let us know your situation on the application form and we’ll do our best to make participation possible.

Who will see my photos? Do I have control over that?

You have full control over which images are shared publicly and how they’re captioned. Nothing goes up in the exhibition without your explicit consent. Your safety and comfort come first, always.

How many people are selected and how does it work?

We’re selecting up to 10 participants. Our goal is a group that reflects the diversity of lived experience with affordability in Edmonton. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities in Edmonton.

Ready to Make Edmonton Listen?

Space is limited — up to 10 participants. Apply now and share your story with the city.

Apply to Participate →

Questions? Contact us at info@endpovertyedmonton.ca