Professor Peter Fitzpatrick with students from the Pingyao Modern Engineering and Technology School, China
The Diane Dammeyer Initiative Youth Photography Project was established in 2017 to promote photography as a tool of self-expression and to raise the voice of the youth in the USA and beyond. Each year young photographers have the opportunity to document their surroundings, consistently demonstrating their imagination and ideas in capturing fresh visions of their world. The workshops cover basic photography techniques including composition and creative observation and are taught and assisted by alumni and students of the Columbia College Chicago Photography BA and MFA degree programs. Professor Peter Fitzpatrick oversees the stewardship/mentorship of the Diane Dammeyer Initiative activities.
Without the generous funding support from Diane Dammeyer, an alumna of the Photography Department at Columbia College Chicago, and her husband Rod Dammeyer these activities would not be possible.
Canon USA is a valuable partner to the initiative providing in-kind support for many of our projects.
The Diane Dammeyer Initiative Youth Photography Project has delivered workshops in partnership with
Eyes on Main Street Photography Festival, Wilson North Carolina
The Spot - After School Care
Save A Youth - After School Care
Sallie B Howard - K-8 School
Diversified Opportunities Inc. - Vocational Center
Integrity Unlimited CDC - Health and Wellness Center
Vick Elementary - K-8 School
Smart Museum, University of Chicago
Centro Romero, Chicago Illinois
Camera for Kids
Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota
Audubon Technology and Communication Center, Milwaukee Wisconsin
Pingyao International Photography Festival
Pingyao Modern Engineering and Technology School, China
The BLOC
Women's Park and Garden, South Loop Chicago