Girls Have Stamina Workshop 2020-2022 is a publicly engaged photographic program born in the rural and outback communities of Australia. In 2022 the workshop expanded into an international setting for regional girls throughout Co Clare Ireland and the Scottish Highlands. Girls Have Stamina has three great aims; to celebrate the fierceness of our rural girls, to encourage confidence in their authentic self-expression, and to facilitate a space where the girls feel a sense of pride in who they are in this world.
The last two years have undoubtably been a tumultuous time, no one has been excluded from feeling the flow on effects of this widespread global unrest. Now, more than ever I feel the importance that this work carries. A hands on and uplifting 40 minutes of expression that is reserved for the girls, created by the girls and celebrated by all who surround them.
The participants receive very few guidelines, they have free rein in this workshop. My role is to encourage their personalities to shine in an inclusive and enriching environment. When the girls arrive they will each tell me their favourite song and we will create the workshop playlist together. The instruction is simple, they will have 15 minutes to answer the question “What is it like being a girl in the town you live?”. The way they answer the question is up to them, as long as it’s using the banner and the markers, the sky is the limit. At the conclusion of the banner making the girls portraits will be taken on 35mm film. By introducing the girls to analogue photography, we slow down the portrait process and provide a photographic experience that is not in the instant and online realm. I have found that most girls in this age bracket have had no exposure to analogue portraiture and they are curious as to why they cannot see the images of themselves straight away. This slowing down of the portrait process is a kind of magic that I am passionate about introducing to the girls.
I am proud that the Girls Have Stamina Workshop has reached over 300 participants and is continuing to grow world wide. To register your interest email ghs@gabconnole.com or to get an insight into the program watch the video below.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
“I was immediately impressed by Gabrielle’s calm and supportive approach, which made our students feel safe and supported. She quickly connected with students and make them feel comfortable. Without hesitation our students threw themselves into creating a representation of what it means to be a girl growing up in Wilcannia. So quickly you could see each of our girls trust Gabrielle, and she was able to make each of them shine... I highly recommend this workshop for the way it allows girls to unite, connect as women, and stand up for who they are, who they want to be, and help them feel like they can become that.” – Sarah Donnelley (Deputy Principal Wilcannia Central School, NSW Australia)
“The girls loved Gabi and found her light hearted and energetic approach easy to connect with. Gabi was inclusive in her practice and was culturally sensitive as she was working with a number of Indigenous girls.” - Pippa Boyle (Positive Learning Centre Department of Education NT)
My year 4 class girls attended the “Girls have Stamina” workshop run by Gabrielle Connole recently. They returned buzzing with excitement and full of positive energy. Gab provided a safe space in which to freely express themselves with no wrong answers. This was particularly supportive of students with learning difficulties who didn’t feel different and could still equally contribute to the creation of the banner. The girls loved the photo opportunity, being able to choose their own poses and being cheered on by their classmates. They can’t wait to receive their portraits.
Overall a fabulous workshop which Gab ran in a quiet and enthusiastic manner. She made each and every girl feel special and listened to. I would highly recommend this workshop.
-Mrs Beth Hatty (Year 4 teacher, Tocumwal Public School)
Girls Have Stamina workshop 35mm film portraits Portree, Scotland. September 2022