FotoFest Literacy Through Photography

We teach creativity and understanding through the medium of photography. Here’s a throwback to Houston-area students participating in a guided tour of phenomenal artwork in the Youth Opening of the 2020 Biennial Show "African Cosmologies: Photography, Time, and the Other", curated and presented here by Mark Sealy.

This fall, the “African Cosmologies: Redux” is an adaptation of the 2020 exhibition on view from September 24th - November 6th. Keep up with the news and more learning opportunities by following us !

Images: FotoFest Biennial: African Cosmologies Youth Opening 2020

𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗱𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁.

The students in the FotoFest Literacy Through Photography program learn to identify themselves and their community through the art they create. We teach them how to take photographs while focusing on four core themes- Self, Home, Community, & Dreams.

Follow to see how arts education makes an impact to our future.

Images from Roberts Elementary Residency 2021, in partnership with Young Audiences of Houston.

We believe that 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲’𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰’𝐬 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞! This is why in 1990 FotoFest established the Literacy Through Photography program that offers students grades K-12 a dual ability to improve their writing/reading skills, as well as their artistic practice via photography.

FotoFest is a photographic arts organization with the goal to advance art and ideas globally. Along with our in-school and after-school learning program we arrange a large-scale photography exhibition biennially in the city of Houston, and host professional development for artists.

Follow us over to see the full breath of the work that we do for the arts!

Images: FotoFest Biennial: African Cosmologies Youth Opening 2020

We hope it’s not too late to give a shout out to for being a guest speaker at our FotoFinish Youth Opening last week! Thank you for sharing your personal journey in writing and photography, and for having story time with our kiddos.

Reading is love in action. We believe in all the benefits it brings to young minds 🤍🧠

Visit Silver Street Studios to see our student art exhibition, FotoFinish: Fun in the School Zone. It is free and open to the public until June 4th!
This exhibition features over 380 artworks created by students who participated in the FotoFest Literacy Through Photography residencies during the 2021–22 school year.

Exhibition tours for schools are also available Tuesday through Friday at 10 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:00 PM. Find out how to schedule a tour by using the link in our bio 🔗

Danielle Mason is this year’s Guest Speaker + Storyteller

Join us on May 15th 2pm - 5pm (Free Event) to experience this year’s FotoFinish exhibition opening. Danielle will be talking about her journey as a photographer and writer. She will also be sharing stories from her folklore archive in our story room.

Curated by Adanna Adé + Chelsea Jones

“The arts saved my life!”

Now more than ever, we are witnessing the positive impact of artistic expression as a much-needed avenue for healing. The arts give us opportunities to engage in personal reflection and provide comfort in times of crisis. What’s more, childhood exposure to the arts instills a lifelong desire to engage in the subject matter and pushes us to become the most authentic version of ourselves.

We believe every child should have access to a quality arts education to allow them to heal and reach their full potential. A donation to FotoFest's Learning Program will provide students with tools, instruction, and guidance to foster self-expression. Together we can make a difference!

Make a contribution towards FotoFest’s work in arts education: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2YW8UAZ2PKT6W

We are one week away from the FotoFinish Exhibition Preview Party and Fundraiser!

Be the first to enjoy the artwork from the students who participated in the FotoFest learning program during the 2021-22 school year. FotoFinish is a great opportunity to experience the creativity of the students and view the results of their learning in a formal exhibition.

Join us on Thursday, May 12 at 6PM. Buy your tickets HERE—> https://fotofest.org/fotofinish-fundraiser-2022

Images: Artist residency at Roberts Elementary, partnered with Young Audiences of Houston, 2022. Houston, TX. Courtesy of FotoFest.

How does FotoFest Literacy Through Photography empower our Youth?

FotoFest’s Literacy through Photography curriculum offers a unique comprehensive blend of photographic art, visual literacy, creative writing and social emotional learning to help foster student self-expression. We serve students K-12 in the Greater Houston area, especially in Title 1 schools and community centers, where access to quality arts education is limited.

Our lessons are built to develop the five core social and emotional learning competencies outlined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional learning (CASEL).

These include:
1. Self-awareness
2. Social awareness
3. Relationship skills
4. Self-management
5. Responsible decision-making

Your attendance or a donation to the FotoFinish Exhibition Fundraiser & Preview Party will help advance student learning and development. Visit our website to help support our work in arts education.

Images: Artist residency at Roberts Elementary, partnered with Young Audiences of Houston , 2022. Houston, TX. Courtesy of FotoFest.

Imagine a future in which every child has access to quality arts education that promotes self-expression and social-emotional growth. The FotoFinish Exhibition and Fundraiser is all about supporting this dream!
A single action can help turn this dream into reality. Visit the link in our bio to learn about the fundraiser and our program.

Images from residency at Roberts Elementary, partnered with Young Audiences of Houston .