Shannon Walsh, Associate Professor, Film Production
We are excited to share that the project “TRANSFORM: Engaging with Youth for Social Change,” co-directed by Associate Professor and Filmmaker Shannon Walsh, has been awarded a $2.5 million Partnership Grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
TRANSFORM is a multi-year visual arts-based project that brings together researchers and youth worldwide to address global gender inequality and gender-based violence. Utilizing visual arts-based methodologies such as photography, filmmaking, cellphilming, performance art, and textile production, the project will study how young people in Africa, Latin America, and South Asia can be empowered as agents of change. TRANSFORM focuses on critical issues like climate justice, queer activism, sexual and reproductive health, and mental health, providing a comprehensive and intersectional approach to advancing gender equity. To bridge geographic barriers, TRANSFORM will use social media, international conferences, journal publications, art exhibitions and film screenings as platforms for dialogue and action. An annual youth summit will be held in different locations each year, starting in South Africa this August.
The project is led by Claudia Mitchell (McGill University), with co-directors Relebohile Moletsane (University of KwaZulu-Natal), Shannon Walsh (UBC), and Lisa Starr (University of Lethbridge). It involves 40 researchers from 16 universities, 11 partner organizations, and hundreds of young people from around the world.
We eagerly anticipate the impactful work this initiative will accomplish!
