arts for change

sOCial visons

Social Visions is a Berlin based organization.
We develop participatory art and media projects that give people a voice and strengthen social engagement.
Through participatory visual methods, we foster self-representation, personal development, and collaboration.
Our projects create inclusive spaces for social interaction and shared experiences, bringing marginalized perspectives into focus and encouraging meaningful dialogue within society.

what we are doing

As an independent organisation, we enable participants to tell their stories through pictures. Our aim is to strengthen personal development, build resilience and encourage active participation in decision-making processes that affect their lives. Through our workshops and seminars, which follow the principles of non-formal education, we teach creative techniques, promote independent learning and cultural engagement. Personal life stories are at the heart of our work, creating spaces for sharing diverse perspectives and valuing different viewpoints.

Participatory Visual Methods

At SocialVisions, we use participatory visual methods such as photography, collage, and digital storytelling to actively engage people in creative and reflective processes. We create spaces where individuals can visually express their perspectives, experiences, and ideas.
Especially where language reaches its limits or complex personal topics are addressed, visual forms of expression open up new paths of communication. They overcome language, cultural, and educational barriers – making voices visible and heard that are often overlooked.Participatory Photography – A Method of Visual Engagement
In many of our projects, we apply the method of participatory photography – one of the most impactful participatory visual approaches. It operates at the intersection of artistic practice, social work, and political education.
Participatory photography empowers individuals to make their own perspectives and realities visible through the camera lens. Methodologically, it is based on the PhotoVoice approach (developed by the British organization PhotoVoice) and the emancipatory educational concepts of Paulo Freire. It combines elements of documentary photography with conflict-sensitive educational work in a guided group process.Those who experience societal challenges are the true experts of their own lives. Through participatory photography, people are encouraged to tell their own stories and engage actively in social discourse.Our Expertise
SocialVisions e.V. implements participatory projects in international development cooperation, cultural education projects, and social work contexts.
Our work is based on three pillars:
Strengthening Self-Representation
Enabling people to tell their own stories.
Promoting Skills and Self-Confidence
Developing creative competencies and experiencing self-efficacy.
Encouraging Dialogue and Societal Exchange
Initiating dialogue, enabling perspective shifts, and inspiring social change.

Becoming visible.
Telling our own stories.

Mission

At SocialVisions, we believe that everyone has the right to tell their own story.Through participatory visual methods like photography, collage, and digital storytelling, we create spaces where individuals can express their perspectives, reflect on their experiences, and inspire social change.We empower people to become visible, amplify marginalized voices, and foster understanding across cultures and communities. Our work connects artistic practice, social engagement, and political education to strengthen self-representation, build resilience, and spark dialogue for a more inclusive society.We don’t just capture images — we help shape narratives.

Shaping society.

vision

We envision a world where every person has equal rights, opportunities, and the freedom to participate fully in society — regardless of origin, identity, or circumstance.
A world shaped by solidarity, justice, and mutual respect, where all voices matter and diversity is a source of strength.And here’s a shorter version in case you need something more compact:We believe in a just and inclusive world where everyone can live with dignity, freedom, and equal opportunity.

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what participants say

This page is under construction.

our team

Anja
Pietsch

Anja Pietsch is a documentary photographer and cultural educator. She is particularly passionate about combining visual creative tools with nonviolent action to challenge stereotypes and amplify marginalized voices. In 2012, she co-founded Social Visions and has since led various projects. At Social Visions, Anja is responsible for project design, management, and training implementation.

Friederike
Ruff

Friederike Ruff is a visual artist specializing in collage, who views art as a way of life. With 20 years of experience, she believes that creativity is inherent in everyone. Through participatory workshops worldwide, she helps individuals express their stories and expand their creative vision. At Social Visions, Friederike is responsible for training implementation, and the design of visual outputs.

Mari
Boman

Mari is a Finnish photographer who works on research-based documentary projects and is engaged in community work. She is particularly interested in discovering and unraveling the layers of complex stories and histories embedded in landscapes, architecture, everyday objects, and culture. Passionate about analogue and alternative photographic processes, she values the slow and thoughtful creative journey. At Social Visions, Mari supports the team as a trainer.

Wael
Toubaji

Wael Toubaji is a Berlin-based visual artist and filmmaker working with animation and moving images. He is particularly interested in using animation as a tool for self-expression and creative empowerment. Through experimental and collaborative workshops, he supports individuals in exploring their own stories and developing their creative potential. At Social Visions, Wael is engaged as a trainer.

Katarzyna
Kowalska

in process

Karina
Manukyan

Karina Manukyan is based in Yerevan, Armenia, and has been active in non-formal education since 2013, focusing on well-being and personal development coaching. She is the founder of the Colibri Youth Development Center and a board member of the Harmony Youth Association (Czech Republic). At Social Visions, Karina works as a project coordinator for Erasmus+ projects.

summery

projects

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What we do

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Project overview

ReAct - Theater for Inclusion
International training course with youth worker
(Stepanavan, Armenia, 2023)
Partner: Colibri Youth Development Center (Armenia)
Funding: Jugend für EuropaARTcommun for YOUth
International youth exchange
(Stepanavan, Armenia, 2022)
Partner: Colibri Youth Development Center (Armenia)
Funding: Jugend für EuropaThe Story Kitchen - Crossing Borders with Digital Storytellling
International exchange project
(Berlin, Tunis, Istanbul, Lyon, 2021)
Partner: CRI-BIJ (France), ATP (Tunisia), Balik Arts Association (Turkey)
Funding: Anna Lindh FoundationInfographic World - New Approches in Youth Work
International training course with youth worker
(Stepanavan, Armenia, 2021)
Partner: Colibri Youth Development Center (Armenia)
Funding: Jugend für EuropaFar away, so close!
German- Ukrainian youth exchange
(online, 2020)
Partner: On the Wings of Art (Ukraine)
Funding: Foundation Erinnerung, Verantwortung und Zukunft (EVZ)Mapping Stories
Participatory photo project with children and youth
(Hennigsdorf, Brandenburg, 2020)
Partner: HWB, Pur gGmbH
Funding: Bundesvereinigung Kulturelle Kinder- und Jugendbildung (BKJ)Balancing Happiness 2.0
International youth exchange
(Stepanavan, Armenia, 2019)
Partner: Colibri Youth Development Center (Armenia)
Funding: Jugend für EuropaInvolve and Perfom - Artistic Tools in Youth Work
International training course with youth worker
(Stepanavan, Armenia, 2019)
Partner: Colibri Youth Development Center (Armenia)
Funding: Jugend für EuropaCreative Countryside - Advocacy and Participatory Art Practice in Rural Areas
International training course with youth worker
(Werben, Brandenburg, 2019)
Funding: Jugend für EuropaTraining Course on Participatory Art Practises in Youth and Community Work
International training course with youth worker
(Kathmandu, Nepal, 2019)
Partner: GIZ Civil Peace Service of Afghanistan, within the framework of the programme “Afghan Youth for Peace”Unframed – A German-Ukrainian Youth Exchange on Participatory Art Practises in Rural Areas
German- Ukrainian youth exchange
(Pustomyty, Ukraine, 2019)
Partner: On the Wings of Art (Ukraine)
Funding: Foundation Erinnerung, Verantwortung und Zukunft (EVZ)Postcards from Europe - Advocacy and Participatory Visuel Art Practises in Rural Areas
International training course with youth worker
(Bakuriani, Georgia, 2018)
Partner: Caucasus Youth Nexus (Georgia)
Funding: Jugend für EuropaStories on the Move – Spurensuche im öffentlichen Raum
Participatory photo project with youth
(Potsdam, Brandenburg, 2018)
Partner: Commissioner for Migration and Integration of the City of Potsdam, Treffpunkt Freizeit
Funding: Landeshauptstadt PotsdamFrame my World – An International Training Course on Participatory Photography and Community development
International training course with youth worker
(Tatev, Armenia, 2017)
Partner: International Center for Intercultural Research, Learning and Dialogue (Armenia)
Funding: Jugend in AktionOn the Move - moving forward, looking back
Participatory photo project with refugee youth
(Potsdam und Neuruppin, Brandenburg, 2016-2017)
Partner: Ruppiner Kliniken, Museum Neuruppin, Integration and Equal Opportunities Officer of the City of Neuruppin, Rohnstockbiografien, ESTAruppin e.V., Commissioner for Migration and Integration of the City of Potsdam, Treffpunkt Freizeit
Funding: BAMFSee it Our Way - An International Training Course on Participatory Photography for Intercultural Dialogue
International training course with youth worker
(Aghveran, Armenia, 2016)
Partner: International Center for Intercultural Research, Learning and Dialogue (Armenia)
Funding: Jugend in AktionSyria on the Move
Participatory photo project with young Syrians living in exile
(online / Potsdam, Brandenburg, 2015)
Partner: Wohnverbund Staudenhof
Funding: Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Health, Women and Family of the State of Brandenburg (MASGF), Wilhelm-von-Türk-Foundation, Anna Lindh Foun(Stepanavan, Armenia, 2021)
Partner: Colibri Youth DedationBlasti - C'est ma place
Participatory photo project with young woman
(Tunis, Tunisia / Stuttgart, Germany, 2013-2014)
Partner: Cube 3D Technology, La Maison des Arts, National Library in Tunis (Tunisia)
Funding: Institut für Auslandbeziehungen e.V., Dr. Buhmann Foundation, Federal Foreign OfficeBeyond orientalism: Realities of Young Women in Syria. A participatory photography project with young Syrian woman from different backgrounds
Participatory photo project for young woman
(Damascus, Syria, 2010)
Partner: Institute for Applied Arts (Damascus), Danish Refugee Council
Funding: German and Swiss embassies in Syria

commision

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consultency

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References

links to partners

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impressum

ImpressumSocialVisions e.V.Pappelallee 63
10437 Berlin
DeutschlandTel.: +49 (0)160 / 7858836
E-Mail-Adresse: [email protected]
Internet: http://www.socialvisions.netVertretungsberechtigter Vorstand:
(Anschrift wie oben)
Anja Pietsch (Vorsitzende)
Julia JungferRegistergericht: Amtsgericht Charlottenburg
Registernummer: VR 31774 BV.i.S.d § 18 Abs. 2 MStV
Anja Pietsch
c/o SocialVisions e.V.
Pappelallee 63
10437 Berlin
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