Interview with our new Director, Kevin McCullough
We asked Kevin a few questions about his work, his favourite music and the challenges awaiting in 2012…
Kevin, where are you from and what is your background?
I am originally from Belfast and have had 20 years experience in international development working for organisations including Christian Aid and CAFOD. In the last 4 years I have been doing some work on funding social justice documentary films.
What attracted you to PhotoVoice?
I have known of PhotoVoice’s work for some years. I am concerned about issues of visual representation within the charity sector generally and the international NGOs in particular. PhotoVoice methodology ensures that those who are often the subjects of photography can become its creators, thereby offering a new perspective that challenges people’s prejudice. Through photography the participants are engaged in speaking out about their situations and challenges and expressing their hopes and fears. In this way, photography becomes a tool for advocacy and positive social change.
What are your plans for PhotoVoice in 2012?
It’s still early days – I’ve only been here a week!
I’m very excited about the projects we have in development for next year. Whilst these are tough financial times for the charity sector PhotoVoice supporters are some of the most loyal and generous. I would hope to build upon the excellent work that has gone on before me and engage more deeply with our supporters to build a solid financial future. In the not-to-distant future, I’d like marginalised communities to be leading that process of social change, not just part of it.
Any PhotoVoice project you cherish most?
There are so many excellent PV projects – Visible Rights working with children in Afghanistan, more recently Lookout London working with young people who have experienced homelessness and knife crime and Rights, Cameras, Action raising awareness children’s rights and the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child to name a few. Working with effective partners who are calling for policy change on specific issues is important. For us at PhotoVoice we can play a part in the advocacy process through the tool of photography and story telling. Last week I heard the stories of two young people living in east London and how the Lookout project was potentially life changing for them. By giving expression to their fears and their hopes for the future, the project is succeeding where so many others had fallen short.
Any upcoming PhotoVoice project you are particularly excited about?
The next phases of Lookout and Rights Cameras Action will be very exciting. There are two or three other projects we are working on which are sensitive, complex and yet cutting edge areas of work. What I love about PhotoVoice is that the projects undertaken are not safe but are always attempting to offer space for the visual voice of people living in vulnerable and difficult situations and yet through the experience of the project participants often see their situations in a different way.
What is the biggest challenge for you as Director of a non profit organization?
To continue to be effective, efficient and excellent in what we do. Staying close to our values and finding more ways of involving the wonderful community that is PhotoVoice.
What was the most challenging campaign you have ever worked on?
Make Poverty History - it was big in scale and in its demands of the world’s leaders at the G8. A campaign which engaged some 25 million people in the UK and marching with 250,000 people in Edinburgh was truly inspirational and yet the year had many challenges.
What do you do in your free time?
I am involved in a voluntary capacity with an international charity using sport as a tool for conflict resolution and community development and I’m a mentor for some youth projects in southern Africa. Apart from that reading, music, visits to the cinema, theatre and watching sport.
Tea or coffee?
Coffee – preferably Irish!
Favourite band?
Sorry, it’s Classic FM in the background for me and U2, the Beatles, Kanye West and my son’s band Mammoth Sound (not my style but you have to be supportive!)
If you weren’t working in a charity sector, what would you be doing?
Scoring the winning goal for Leeds United in the Cup Final! Then waking up and fishing from Mangochi on Lake Malawi!