Interdisciplinary Dialogue Photo Awards

Finding Connection in the Age of Disconnect

Abstract

The Interdisciplinary Dialogue 2021 Student Photography Contest is the result of MacEwan students finding ways to connect to their surroundings during the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 virus forced people across the globe into isolation during the spring of 2020, which ignited a mental health crisis as people longed for companionship. This contest was a way for students at MacEwan to share their experiences through photography with their struggle to stay connected during isolation. The event itself can be an example of how connections could still be made all thanks to technology - we managed to communicate with contestants, form a jury, and organize an Awards Ceremony all through virtual platforms. Through this contest, we received an incredible response and saw the pandemic from many different perspectives.

As the pandemic continues, audiences can see that even in the loneliest times we are never truly alone. We have shared in this experience, and continue to do so, but will remember the collaborative efforts from so many which has helped us remain connected to people, our environment, and to things we may not have had a connection to before the pandemic. It is the hope that this project will be a testament to the power of perseverance for future MacEwan faculty and students.

Discipline: Arts & Communications

Faculty mentor: Heather Fitzsimmons Frey