Challenging ageism and stereotypes about ageing is a major focus for us at COTA Queensland. We are always exploring different ways to do this, including through creative arts.

The aim of the Faces of Ageing project was to explore positive experiences of ageing in the community, challenge stereotypes and recognise the diversity of experiences as we age to show new ways of thinking and support older people to value themselves and their experiences.

This was a collaborative project between Queensland University of Technology and COTA Queensland and was co -designed with the COTA Community Ambassadors. The Ambassadors were trained in research ethics, visual/audio and interview techniques. They collected data by interviewing and taking photographs of older adults who were living in their local communities (i.e. the Maranoa region, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast).

The Ambassadors then worked with the researchers and COTA staff to curate an exhibition.

Exhibitions were held in Brisbane and Surat (Maranoa region).

We congratulate the Ambassadors and thank them for the extraordinary amount of work they contributed to bring this project to fruition.