Positive Exposure

Michaelhouse, Cambridge
14th - 25th October 2009

A special feature at the 12th Symposium will be a presentation and photographic exhibition by Rick Guidotti, Founding Director of Positive Exposure. The exhibition will officially be opened at the Welcome Reception in Michaelhouse on the evening of 14th October 2009. The exhibition will be open to the public during Michaelhouse opening hours from Thursday 15th October 2009 until Sunday 25th October 2009.

Founded in 1997 by former fashion photographer Rick Guidotti and Diane McLean, MD, PhD, MPH, Positive Exposure is a highly innovative arts organization working with individuals living with genetic difference. Through vigourous cross-sector partnerships with health advocacy organizations, governmental agencies and educational institutions, Positive Exposure utilizes the visual arts to impact significantly the fields of genetics, mental health and human rights.

The programmes support and promote human dignity through Positive Exposure's Spirit of Difference photographic image data bank and video interviews of people, particularly children, living with genetic conditions.

A recurring theme voiced by many individuals/families and organizations is the need to help doctors, particularly medical students and trainees, learn how to meet best the concerns of individuals/families with, or at risk for, genetic disorders.

Each individual living with a genetic difference desires to be viewed first and foremost as a human being with his/her own special needs rather than as a specific diagnosis/disease entity; currently available medical images illustrating genetic difference are particularly dehumanizing and dispiriting.

Positive Exposure conducts Self-Esteem/Self-Advocacy photographic and interview workshops in collaboration with people living with genetic conditions. Positive Exposure also presents diversity workshops and portable, sustainable educational and human rights programmes and multimedia exhibitions for doctors, nurses, genetic counsellors, health care professionals-in-training, universities, primary and secondary schools, legislators and the general public.

Visit the Positive Exposure website to find out more.