Jonathan Rudy, Elizabethtown College’s peacemaker-in-residence, asserts that the connection between photography and peacemaking is all about observation. “By paying attention to the connection between things, the photographer can see images through the viewfinder that will highlight a common humanity and actions that promote peace.”
With this in mind, the Elizabethtown College Study Abroad office and the Center for Global Understanding and Peacemaking (CGUP) are cosponsoring the #PeaceOutEtown photography contest, which asks students to submit up to three photographs that answer the question, “how do you picture peace?”
Study Abroad Director Sabina Post said that the two departments hope students learn to be more observant and intentional when taking photos – not just when traveling but in their own backyards, as well.
… the photographer can see images through the viewfinder that will highlight a common humanity and actions that promote peace.”
The CGUP has never previously hosted such a contest, and this was part of the reason for the cosponsorship. Kay Wolf CGUP program manager approached Post about the contest when it was decided it would be centered on peace. “One of the original reasons for the start of exchange [was] promoting peace between countries,” Post said. And this type of contest stresses the overlap between Study Abroad and CGUP.
Study Abroad goal of cultural exchange lined up well with the CGUP’s peace message.
Post and Wolf agree that the power of photography can be instrumental in building peace and helping reach wide audiences. Post lists the famous photograph Mikhail Evstafiev of the “Cellist of Sarajevo” as an example. Taken in 1992 during the siege of Sarajevo, it depicts a cellist dressed in full concert attire who is playing among the ruins of the Sarajevo National Library.
Wolf said if she were to take a picture that best represented her personal view of peace, it would most likely be a landscape shot. Over the years, she felt herself become more aware of her surroundings and hopes that the students can do so, as well.
To enter, students should post their photographs to Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #PeaceOutEtown. Students may also submit their entries by emailing them to Wolf at wolfk@etown.edu, using the subject line #PeaceOutEtown. The photograph should be in .jpeg format and the submission, regardless of the entry method, should include the full name of the student along with any comments or context the student wishes to include.
Pictures do not have to be recent or taken in any particular location—they can be taken while abroad, on campus or even in their own backyard—but the photo must be taken by the students and cannot include any material that breaks any rules within the College’s student handbook.
The #PeaceOutEtown contest ends at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, and winners will be selected by a board composed of members from CGUP and Study Abroad as well as a representative from the Fine Arts division who can access the photos from a more technical point of view. Prizes for first, second and third place are, respectively, $100, $50 and $25 College Store gift certificates. Get more details on the CGUP Web page.
— Brittany Pressley