About Hope in Shadows

I have grown close to the history, character, people and sense of community here in the Downtown Eastside, but after all it is my home!

I moved to the Downtown Eastside when I was one year old and grew up here with my four younger sisters. I love it here... after I graduate, I would like to go to university. Hopefully, some day I will become a professional actress or a photographer!

Hannah Walker, 14 | 2006 First Place Calendar Cover Winner, Grade 10 student at Britannia Secondary

HOPE IN SHADOWS is a unique project based around a photography contest for residents in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. The prize-winning photos are then used to create a calendar that gives a glimpse of the hope, spirit and courage of people living in Canada's poorest neighbourhood.

Hundreds of Downtown Eastside residents turn out to participate in the contest, the wards ceremony and the gallery exhibition of the photos, making this a vibrant community event.

HOPE IN SHADOWS fosters local arts and culture, gives residents a sense of pride in their community and builds confidnece in participants and photography winners. The exhibition, calendar and high profile media attention promotes understanding of the people who live in this impoverished neighbourhood.

Finally, the selling of the calendar helps hundreds of people both financially and through providing tangible work experience.