COLLECTION NAME:
Graduate Thesis Collection
Record
Title:
Reframing Historic Preservation: Photography as a Catalyst for Action
Creator:
Paterson, Jessica L.
Subject:
Thesis (M.F.A.) -- Historic Preservation
Subject:
Savannah College of Art and Design -- Department of Historic Preservation
Rights:
Copyright is retained by the authors or artists of items in this collection, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.
Abstract:
As generation meets new generation, it is necessary to reframe the way historic preservation is viewed by communities and
preservationists so that preservation can remain relevant and accurately serve the needs of the community. Historic preservation, civic
engagement, and photography all have the potential to benefit each other by collaborating and contributing their own strengths. The values of
preservation encourage civic engagement and add to a community’s growing social capital. Photography’s ability to evoke an emotional
response makes it a good tool for engaging the public in historic preservation efforts. Photographic subject matter of the abandoned built
environment is particularly useful in getting the viewer’s attention and encouraging a deeper emotional response. By encouraging viewers to
emotionally engage in photographs of abandonments, they are inspired to take action against the decay of historic fabric. Their actions will
then benefit their communities as they begin to take part in the decision making process, which ultimately leads them to become empowered
as a more valuable citizen. Photographers are further encouraged to collaborate with historic preservation efforts and photograph abandoned
sites with more intention, thinking past the outcome of the picture and towards a bigger cause. This cycle of collaboration and involvement
will benefit historic preservation efforts and create a better, healthier life for community members who stand behind and actively participate
in historic preservation.
preservationists so that preservation can remain relevant and accurately serve the needs of the community. Historic preservation, civic
engagement, and photography all have the potential to benefit each other by collaborating and contributing their own strengths. The values of
preservation encourage civic engagement and add to a community’s growing social capital. Photography’s ability to evoke an emotional
response makes it a good tool for engaging the public in historic preservation efforts. Photographic subject matter of the abandoned built
environment is particularly useful in getting the viewer’s attention and encouraging a deeper emotional response. By encouraging viewers to
emotionally engage in photographs of abandonments, they are inspired to take action against the decay of historic fabric. Their actions will
then benefit their communities as they begin to take part in the decision making process, which ultimately leads them to become empowered
as a more valuable citizen. Photographers are further encouraged to collaborate with historic preservation efforts and photograph abandoned
sites with more intention, thinking past the outcome of the picture and towards a bigger cause. This cycle of collaboration and involvement
will benefit historic preservation efforts and create a better, healthier life for community members who stand behind and actively participate
in historic preservation.
Publisher:
Savannah, Georgia : Savannah College of Art and Design
Date:
2013-05
Format:
PDF : 66 p. : ill