Ethical Visual Storytelling Training

One person’s stereotype might be another one’s experience. It is often difficult to judge whether an image reflects a stereotype or the reality of life. For fundraisers and communication officers in development organisations, this is a particular challenge, especially in their relations with donors or the public. How can stereotypical representations be avoided and why is this important for visual communication? This workshop provides basic knowledge on understanding and recognising stereotypes, and gives participants tools to avoid falling into most common traps. Approaches towards inclusive, diverse visual language will inspire participants to develop new stories and find new possibilities for their ethical visual communication.

Trainer: Mag.a Dr.a Miša Krenčeyová

Next date: tba

Poverty, deprivation, suffering: they are real, and projects working for change require funding. And fundraising is a tough and competitive business. But: does fundraising really need to rely on stereotypical images of poor and deprived people? How can visual communication in campaigns and donation letters be more fair - to those depicted and those viewing the images? Align your visuals with your values. Strengthen the ethical substance of your fundraising campaigns to make them both: persuasive and ethical.

Trainers: Mag.a Dr.a Miša Krenčeyová and lic. phil. Jörg Arnold

Next date: tba

In communication and fundraising, most aid organisations are faced with the challenge of portraying aid recipients in a dignified way even in difficult situations. But portraying poverty and suffering without exploiting the pain of the people depicted is a tightrope walk. Accusations of «Poverty Porn» as an emotionalising form of communication weigh heavily. How can the dignity of people in the pictures be preserved? This workshop will show you problems and ways of handling them. It will enable you to better understand current debates on «Poverty Porn», sharpen your own position and draw on approaches for solution-based, balanced visual communication.

Trainer: Mag.a Dr.a Miša Krenčeyová

Next date: tba

Children are the most depicted subjects in humanitarian and aid-related communication. Showing children in need arouses a strong emotional reaction in the viewer - yet might be prone to exploitation. Portraying children requires careful navigation to ensure their dignity is upheld and their rights remain respected. Join us in exploring ethical approaches to depicting children in difficult circumstances. This training equips participants with strategies to navigate the challenges of portraying children sensitively, avoiding exploitation, and contributing to respectful communication practices.

Trainer: Mag.a Dr.a Miša Krenčeyová

Next date: tba