Working backwards is one of the many great ideas that has been discussed in relation to my project. I have been getting bogged down with so many ideas, that if I start at the end and clearly define what I want my outcome to be, I will be able to get a clearer picture on what it is I need to do to achieve my goal. By working this way, I can set a path of specific topics which I need to be looked in to. Hopefully then, I can begin to discard other possible avenues for now, and concentrate on the paths that will push me successfully towards my final outcome.
It has already been decided, and previously mentioned that this module will be research based, preparing me for my main MA project, which will lead directly on from my findings this semester. There is a lot of hard work coming up in the next few months, but I am excited about what I can potentially discover and there's my determination to succeed alongside my passion for the subject.
3 research routes have been identified, which I will be focusing on and then linking together in to one presentable research file. These are: Photography, Charitable Organisations and Events Management. Each one is a vital topic in the journey to successfully achieve my final outcome of a charitable event incorporating photography at its heart.
The question I have to ask myself now is where do I begin within these topics to accomplish the task of in-depth, relevant, but interesting research.
Events Management & Fundraising -
A key contact for me. He is very experienced within the field of community arts and fundraising. A major advantage of knowing Mark is that he's accessible due to working for the university. Keeping on the good side of him will be very important as he could prove to be very beneficial to me. I have a meeting with him to discuss helping out at the Degree Show and Fringe Festival, which are events linked to Staffordshire University. Volunteering for these will be a great achievement because I can collect a wider database of contacts as well as gain valuable first-hand experience with organising events linked to the Art Sector. It isn't often that opportunities like this are available, so I feel lucky to be given the chance. As I have always said and stuck by; There is no harm in asking. The worst case scenario is that the answer is no. You should never assume because if you never ask, you never get. Mark is just one road within events management and fundraising.
A series of case studies is the most effective way to start my research, I believe. This approach will enable me to pick apart a selection of events within charity to see their Success, Target Audiences, Pros, Cons, Ideas, Duration, Public Reactions and so on. By doing this, I can begin to generate my own ideas, thoughts and concepts from the information I gather. If I build up a strong board of ideas from each case study, I can incorporate everything I have learnt and develop it in to one amazing event to get me recognised and really stand out in the crowd. As well as promote my chosen charity in the process and fundraise for them. Ideally, my case studies will be based around photography/moving images within charities.
In my opinion, one of the most essential things I have to remember is to make any event I organise, interactive, interesting and fun. People need to forget they are at an event with the purpose of fundraising. They need personal enjoyment, even so far as to say self-fulfilment. That is one of the reasons I am cycling across India. As much as I am taking on this challenge to raise money, I am completing this life-changing expedition for myself. To gain once in a lifetime experiences, find myself, grow, develop, and see the world in a different light are the main factors. The fundraising is purely a by-product of a much bigger picture and fills the gaps to make everything complete.
Photography -
This is the path I am most worried about because there are so many avenues I could potentially get lost down. I need to stay focused and keep my goal in mind to stop me steering off course.
Finding charities that use photography/film to engage the public, needs to be my first point of research. How are images used (still and/or moving), to get attention? And why is this method the most effective way to get a message across?
A keen interest I have is finding out whether the charities I look in to are using the 'guilt-trip', tugging on heart-strings, 'look at the suffering' approach, or are they promoting the success of the public's generosity by showing positive and promising scenes? Which of these methods is more successful? My primary charity, Childreach International, only show positive images. I intend to write to the charity and ask them what their views are and the reason why they choose the imagery they do.
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| © Childreach International |
A questionnaire will be created to gather opinions on people's views related to these issues. I will possibly show a focus group a selection of images portraying both positive and negative situations, and then ask which collection has more of an impact on them and why, as well as what feelings are provoked from viewing the photographs. Choosing questions will have to be considered carefully because I don't want to influence any of the answers. The same applies for the images I select.
At this stage, my research will then lead me in to semiotics and how images are taken in a particular way to influence how a view sees and/or thinks. I have a book already on this topic, which has been a great aid to me through my degree and will continue to do so within my MA.
Finally... For now... Who are charities targeting? Who will I be targeting? These are yet more questions I need to answer because it will influence the type of event I organise, my marketing, my promotion, and they selection of photographs exhibited. For example, the maternal side to women kicks in when they see sick/poor/ill-treated children, so images of them suffering will be directed towards the female audience more so than others?
I have definitely got my work cut out, but I am excited for the challenge. It is a truly inspirational project and the prospect of what is to come beyond the next couple of months is intriguing.
Through the my research, my outlook on life and my opinions may change. My personal outcomes are going to be just as important as my MA outcome.
Welcome to the journey...
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