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The Benefit of Hindsight: A Reflective Exhibition with a View to the Future
- 1. The benefit of Hindsight: a reflective exhibition with a view to the future
- 3. ‘Reminiscence therapies have been found to provide positive effects on relationships and self-esteem in older adults.’ - Kirstie Hunter, Relationships Australia
- 7. ‘When each person saw their re- created image, it blew them away. They knew this was something special to treasure.’ - Kev Howlett, Busybird Publishing
- 12. ‘Hindsight made me reflect, think and make statements that would otherwise be unexpressed’ - participant
- 15. Carolyn Jury Seniors & Volunteers Coordinator P: 9088 3425 E: cjury@yprl.vic.gov.au www.yprl.vic.gov.au/hindsight Kate Hansen Arts & Culture Coordinator P: 9088 3402 E: khansen@yprl.vic.gov.au
Editor's Notes
- 1. INTRO & INTERVIEW Kate: So. Why do stories matter? Hi everyone. I’m Kate and this is Carolyn and we are members of the Public Participation team at Yarra Plenty Regional Library, YPRL. Today, we will share the story of exhibition project Hindsight; its evolution and journey across our communities. In the spirit of Hindsight, I am starting today with a few questions for Carolyn.
- 2. INTRO & INTERVIEW Kate: Based on your work, why is it important for senior members of our community to share their stories? Caro: The very process of reflecting on one’s life is of benefit to health and well-being. To be able to cast the mind back to adolescence with its lofty expectations and often unrealistic goals puts everything into perspective. The encapsulating of a lifetime of experiences, both positive and negative, is by its very nature, cathartic.
- 3. INTRO & INTERVIEW Kate: Considering your thoughts on why stories matter, how would you describe the impact of Hindsight on participants? Caro: The Hindsight project inspired great insight into the lives of the participants. Some found it confronting, but were able to turn that to advantage. Many found the experience gave them pause to reflect, think and articulate feelings that would otherwise go unexpressed. Kate: And from a library point of view, what was the experience of Hindsight like for you? Caro: Amazing. I felt privileged to be allowed into people’s lives, sharing their photographs and stories. The conversations that covered deeply personal subjects, including past accomplishments and painful memories. I felt a connection with the participants and was humbled by the experience.
- 4. OVERVIEW Kate: Hindsight was a pilot project, celebrating the contribution of seniors to their communities. Based on previous exhibition projects with seniors, we explored the idea of ‘diving deeply’ into the lives of older adults and wisdom gained from life experience. We hoped to capture these reflections through use of both visual and oral storytelling. Hindsight was planned using the concept of comparing past photos with new portrait photography. We engaged photographer Kev Howlett from Busybird Publishing. He was equally passionate about the idea and essentially became a project partner.
- 5. OVERVIEW Kate: Eleven YPRL volunteers put their hands up, which we were very grateful for as the project was initially quite abstract. Here are some of those volunteers, Nonie, Colleen and Tony, before their studio shots were altered. The concept was readily embraced by all participants and some, at various stages, brought similar clothes and items featured in their original photos.
- 6. OVERVIEW Kate: Interview and photography sessions were organised and we set up an iPhone to record the interviews, mostly for ease of transcription. This footage turned out to be an important part of the project. Responding to the theme If given the chance, what would you say to your younger self?, four questions were asked: § In your life, what has been of greatest importance to you? § Has your life turned out the way you expected? § If given the chance, would you have done anything differently? § What words of advice would you offer your younger self?
- 7. OVERVIEW Kate: To exhibit the project, PVC banners were utilised. This allowed the exhibition to be light, compact, transportable and adaptable. The headers and footers are re-usable, meaning similar exhibitions can be generated more sustainably in future. The exhibition also included digital files and video. Today we’d like to show you a small Hindsight snippet, with some interview footage of Michael. It details a bit on his motivation for participating, as well as some personal reflections.
- 3. VIDEO (1 MINUTE)
- 9. OVERVIEW Caro: Hindsight was launched at Watsonia Library during the 2016 Victorian Seniors Festival and included presentations by project participants, the creative team and themed readings by Poets@Watsonia. A photo book was also produced. To increase engagement, a community reflection activity in response to the theme was developed through use of prompt stickers and a poster.
- 4. OVERVIEW 10. OVERVIEW Caro: Contributions made by community members were diverse and engaging. Some were based on popular quotes, some deeply personal and philosophical, and some very practical. The eager uptake of this opportunity inspired a new development, social media series #WednesdayWisdom. Selected community reflections were featured on our instagram and Facebook pages, engaging and inspiring a wider audience. Here are some of the examples...
- 11. OVERVIEW Caro: Hindsight toured all libraries across Banyule, Nillumbik and Whittlesea and featured in the 2017 Victorian Seniors Festival. Photography and video elements were also added to Library DokLab Local Stories units, offering interactive access to the content (thanks Liz). Hindsight is also requested for exhibition at community events in partnership with member Councils and local service providers. It continues to offer community an opportunity to explore self-identity and has led to many conversations, events and workshops promoting positive attitudes towards older people and the benefits of personal reflection.
- 12. REFLECTION Kate: Hindsight participants were invited to a project reunion one year on, for review and consultation around future project planning. Following some discussion and a survey, all participants felt the Hindsight experience was positive and said they would recommend participation to others As one participant summed up their experience - I like adventure and this seemed like one. I hadn't done anything like this before! You don't often get the chance to share your story - this was a good chance. Though there were many positives surrounding this project, our own reflections and opportunities for improvement centre around increased diversity of participants and possible engagement of a support service, if required. We also would have formalised the video recording process and taken behind the scenes photos. But that’s all in hindsight of course!
- 5. ENGAGEMENT 13. ENGAGEMENT Caro: Before we finish up, we would like to encourage you to reflect on your own personal or professional lives and contribute to the Hindsight poster here today.
- 14. ENGAGEMENT Caro: There is also postcard in your showbag to take home, which you may wish to think about more deeply and keep. Your family or friends may also be interested in what you have to say.
- 15. ENGAGEMENT & CLOSE Caro: Here are our contact details and a link to the project on our website. Please get in touch if you have any questions or interest in the project. Thank you!