The debate surrounding affordable housing and what it means to experience poverty or homelessness is not always binary.
To facilitate a dialogue about the transformative nature of affordable housing, a photography exhibit has been put together at the Anvil Centre — by the City of New Westminster through a grant realized by the Community Poverty Reduction Committee, and in collaboration with Douglas College.
Titled “What Housing Means to Me?” the exhibit was curated by Vancouver artist Mihailo Subotic, who worked with five tenants on an affordable housing project.
Through photography and powerful storytelling, the project aims to explore the importance of home, belonging and community in the world, and to generate compassion and empathy.
The goal is also to facilitate a dialogue about affordable housing and address misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding those experiencing homelessness and living in poverty.
Its creators hope that the exhibit will spur greater support for affordable housing developments and increased acceptance of the residents of those developments in all aspects of community life.
Admission to the exhibit is free and it is open until Jan. 24.
Address: Community Art Gallery; Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St, New Westminster
Cost: Free
Contact: Visit website or call (604)527-4640 for more information.
