How ECU Students and Local Seniors are Building Generational Connections through Photography
An intergenerational event bringing together third-year Studio Photography students with seniors from Hopehill Society, one of Vancouver’s oldest senior living communities. (Photo by Taylor Assion)
Posted on | Updated
Thanks to a new third-year studio photography course, students and seniors are exploring the depth and significance of human bonds across different age groups.
Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECU) recently hosted an intergenerational event bringing together third-year Studio Photography students with seniors from Hopehill Society, one of Vancouver’s oldest senior living communities.
Upon arriving at ECU, some seniors were unsure what to expect. But as the day progressed, the studio was suffused with collaboration, camraderie and laughter.
“I was a bit nervous at first,” says Sheila Sherban, a Hopehill resident. “But once I started sharing my stories and items that mean a lot to me, I felt an incredible connection with the students.”
This newly developed project between ECU and Hopehill is more than just a photography class; it is a chance to bridge the generational gap. The initiative is part of Pathways for Creative Futures, supported by the Business And Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) and the Government of Canada. It promotes shared learning and creative expression, fostering dialogue between youth and seniors. This exchange not only enriches participants but also strengthens bonds between those with life experience and emerging young storytellers.
As the seniors posed and reflected on meaningful moments from their lives, students actively listened from behind the camera, creating portraits that weren’t just static images but reflections of rich histories and unique experiences. (Photo by Taylor Assion)
“This is the first of three portrait sessions we’ll have this semester,” says Birthe Piontek, Assistant Dean of Photography at ECU. “Our students will also visit Hopehill to experience the daily lives of their senior partners, capturing photos outside the studio in more natural settings.”
As the seniors posed and reflected on meaningful moments from their lives, students actively listened from behind the camera, creating portraits that weren’t just static images but reflections of rich histories and unique experiences.
“I’ve enjoyed working and learning from my partnered senior,” says Jessica Lynn Ouimet (BFA 2026). “She has empowered me to think that I can do anything and everything in my lifetime.”
Once the term ends, a joint exhibition at ECU and Hopehill will showcase the portraits and narratives that emerged from this successful partnership. More details will be shared as the date approaches, but the event promises to celebrate community, creativity, and the power of connection.