It is a nationwide cultural documentation project to photograph as many of Tuvalu’s 11,000 residents as possible across all inhabited islands, creating a dignified, inclusive visual archive for present and future generations.

It preserves Tuvalu’s identity, resilience, and beauty through formal portraiture and personal narratives, ensuring Tuvaluans are seen and remembered on their own terms, both at home and internationally.

Documentary photographers and independent humanitarian advocates Daniel Farber Huang and Dr. Theresa Menders are the co-founders of The Faces of Tuvalu. The husband-and-wife team have extensive experience in large-scale, ethical portrait projects worldwide.

No. It is an independent cultural initiative created in partnership with Tuvalu’s government, communities, and cultural leaders.

It strengthens national identity, preserves cultural memory, and provides an authoritative visual record for future generations, researchers, and cultural institutions.

While climate change is part of Tuvalu’s global context, this project focuses on human presence and cultural legacy rather than environmental data.

Through coordinated media outreach, exhibitions, academic forums, and collaborations with cultural institutions, ensuring Tuvalu’s story reaches global audiences. The Tuvalu Broadcasting Corporation and other local media will be invited to help inform communities and document the process.

Planning and fundraising: September 2025 – April 2026;

Photography across all islands: May – September 2026;

Editing and deliverables: October 2026 – March 2027; and

Exhibitions and public outreach from April 2027 onward.

Dates and locations will be announced through local councils, radio, and community notices before the photography team visits each island.

As we have done successfully in past projects, our intention is for every participant to receive a free, printed copy of their portrait to keep.

No. Participation is entirely free.