Photographic images as a means of connecting former inmates and society. A service-learning proposal for the arts

There is still no consensus on what distinguishes service-learning from other methods. One key aspect of service learning is the concept of encouraging students to think about how they can serve society, which is appropriate in the training of future professionals. This paper describes the experience of devising a service-learning project using photography as a form of expression for a group of former inmates, and a means of raising society´s awareness. The project was proposed as part of a basic training subject in a Fine Arts degree, designed to introduce students to the arts in a university context, help them to associate their artistic discourse with cultural tradition, and encourage them to contribute to society as professionals.