When you’ve seen one photography calendar, you’ve seen them all, right? Well, here’s one you probably won’t find at your local store; it shows a different perspective from a group that’s often marginalized by society. The Café Art 2016 My London calendar features photographs taken by London’s homeless. The Kickstarter campaign (h/t PetaPixel) exceeded its $7,000 goal in the first few days, but there’s still time to contribute to the project.
The calendar is a result of an annual art exhibition collaboration between Café Art, a U.K.-based homeless support organization that’s one part coffee shop and one part art group, and The Royal Photographic Society (RPS). In July, 100 Fujifilm single-use cameras were handed to homeless people that frequent St. Paul’s Cathedral’s programs (Fujifilm is a supporter). The RPS provided participants with training. The goal is to not only to raise awareness of London’s homeless, but to also empower them through art and photography – giving them a voice and a connection with the public.
Out of the 80 returned, more than 2,500 photos were printed and were exhibited in an art installation. A panel of representatives from Fujifilm, Amateur Photographer magazine, The London Photo Festival, Christie’s, and Homeless Link shortlisted 20 photos, and the public was asked to select the best 12 photos for inclusion in the Café Art 2016 My London calendar. Proceeds from the Kickstarter campaign will go toward printing; it costs £10,000 (approximately $15,000) to print 5,000 calendars. Additional money raised will go back toward the program.
Since 2012, Café Art has raised more than £45,000 from calendar sales. London creative agency Carter Wong Design provides its design services for free.
