Photo Poster Project is held by cizucu in cities around the world. Simply by submitting a photograph to cizucu, photographers can participate in a photo-poster exhibition and meet fellow photographers they have yet to encounter.
In Taipei, Taiwan, JoJo was the person who sustained that space. As Taipei Manager, she oversaw exhibition operations, communicated with participants, built the local team, and shaped the atmosphere of the exhibition space. Beyond managing the visible flow of activities, she brought thoughtful attention to countless details so that participants and staff alike could feel comfortable taking part.
This article looks back on JoJo’s time with ppp in Taiwan as she reaches the milestone of stepping down from her role. Her conversation with founder Rin is both the record of one manager’s journey and the story of how a space where people and artworks meet through photography was carefully nurtured.
Interview Participants
JoJo (Taipei Manager)
Rin (Project Founder)
cizucu Editorial Team
Simultaneous interpretation: Saki
Q.01Building Taipei’s ppp from the Ground Up: A Manager Interview That Began with “Could This Be a Scam?”
cizucu Editorial Team
How did you feel when you first heard about Photo Poster Project?
JoJo
There are photography exhibitions in Taiwan, but I had rarely seen one like Photo Poster Project, where exchange and conversation are valued just as much as the exhibition itself.
When I first heard about the role, my mother asked me, “Could this be a scam?” In Taiwan, people can be cautious about becoming involved in overseas work or projects. We sometimes hear stories about people who go abroad and are unable to return, so I think my mother was simply worried about me. To be honest, I also felt a little apprehensive about joining an international project.
But when I actually had the interview, the conversation itself was incredibly enjoyable. I thought that even if I were not selected, it had still been a valuable experience. I assumed there must be many other wonderful candidates, so when I heard that I had been chosen, I was genuinely moved.
When I first heard about the role, my mother asked me, “Could this be a scam?” In Taiwan, people can be cautious about becoming involved in overseas work or projects. We sometimes hear stories about people who go abroad and are unable to return, so I think my mother was simply worried about me. To be honest, I also felt a little apprehensive about joining an international project.
But when I actually had the interview, the conversation itself was incredibly enjoyable. I thought that even if I were not selected, it had still been a valuable experience. I assumed there must be many other wonderful candidates, so when I heard that I had been chosen, I was genuinely moved.
cizucu Editorial Team
What was your first impression of Rin?
From the interview onward, I felt that Rin spoke with clarity and conviction and was deeply passionate. It was also obvious how much Rin enjoyed the work.
When Rin first came to Taiwan, even small things—night markets, xiaochi street food, and xiaolongbao—were met with such open, genuine delight. I remember how happy that made me.
From the interview onward, I felt that Rin spoke with clarity and conviction and was deeply passionate. It was also obvious how much Rin enjoyed the work.
When Rin first came to Taiwan, even small things—night markets, xiaochi street food, and xiaolongbao—were met with such open, genuine delight. I remember how happy that made me.
Rin
I still remember that JoJo was the person who spoke with the greatest sense of joy during the online interviews. We launched ppp in Taiwan just one month after holding it in Korea for the first time. The preparation period was short, and it was by no means a relaxed beginning. Even so, JoJo’s optimism and passion made a powerful impression. Looking back, choosing JoJo is a decision I remain proud of.
Q.02The Opening Day That Brought Me to Tears
cizucu Editorial Team
How did you feel after the first ppp exhibition?
JoJo
After the first ppp ended, I cried [laughs].
It was not only because I was happy. We had spent so long preparing, and I approached opening day with a great deal of nervousness, but far more people came than we had imagined. Seeing the participants engaging with one another also made me genuinely happy.
At the same time, I was frustrated that nerves had kept me from expressing my thoughts as well as I wanted during the gallery talk. That evening, after the first day ended, I wrote down on paper everything I thought I could improve.
It was not only because I was happy. We had spent so long preparing, and I approached opening day with a great deal of nervousness, but far more people came than we had imagined. Seeing the participants engaging with one another also made me genuinely happy.
At the same time, I was frustrated that nerves had kept me from expressing my thoughts as well as I wanted during the gallery talk. That evening, after the first day ended, I wrote down on paper everything I thought I could improve.
Opening day of the first ppp held in Taipei.
JoJo
I reviewed those notes again on the morning of the second day. After getting through one day, I had begun to understand the flow, and having the Taiwan team beside me made me feel that I could rely on them. As a result, I was able to enter the exhibition space on the second day with a little more confidence.
cizucu Editorial Team
What was it like once the exhibition began operating entirely through the local Taiwan team, without members being dispatched from Japan?
JoJo
Once the Taipei team began handling everything ourselves, there was a different kind of pressure.
There were times when installation did not proceed as planned and the opening was slightly delayed. On other occasions, a creator who had planned to help prepare the exhibition suddenly became unable to attend. Something unexpected happens on site every time.
Even so, I was grateful to see the staff gain experience and gradually become more dependable. It was also tremendously reassuring that whenever we contacted the Japan team, they responded immediately, almost as if they were there with us.
There were times when installation did not proceed as planned and the opening was slightly delayed. On other occasions, a creator who had planned to help prepare the exhibition suddenly became unable to attend. Something unexpected happens on site every time.
Even so, I was grateful to see the staff gain experience and gradually become more dependable. It was also tremendously reassuring that whenever we contacted the Japan team, they responded immediately, almost as if they were there with us.
cizucu Editorial Team
Was there anything you considered especially important in your role as manager?
JoJo
I do not think the work of ppp is simply about keeping an exhibition running. It involves understanding the circumstances of the participants, staff, exhibition space, and partner companies, and making adjustments so that everything can continue moving forward.
The accumulation of those efforts defined my days with Taipei’s ppp.
The accumulation of those efforts defined my days with Taipei’s ppp.
Q.03What a Four-Year-Old Participant Taught Me
cizucu Editorial Team
Is there a participant or experience from ppp that has remained especially memorable?
JoJo
One experience that made a particularly strong impression was having a four-year-old child exhibit work.
At first, I was surprised that someone so young would exhibit a photograph. But as I looked at the work, I was reminded that photography should not be viewed solely in terms of whether it is technically accomplished.
Behind that photograph was the landscape the child had seen, time spent with family, and feelings that existed only in that particular moment. Hearing that story in the exhibition space made me realize that the fascination of ppp lies in being able to encounter someone’s precious memories through photography.
At first, I was surprised that someone so young would exhibit a photograph. But as I looked at the work, I was reminded that photography should not be viewed solely in terms of whether it is technically accomplished.
Behind that photograph was the landscape the child had seen, time spent with family, and feelings that existed only in that particular moment. Hearing that story in the exhibition space made me realize that the fascination of ppp lies in being able to encounter someone’s precious memories through photography.
cizucu Editorial Team
Is there a participant or experience from ppp that has remained especially memorable?
JoJo
One experience that made a particularly strong impression was having a four-year-old child exhibit work.
At first, I was surprised that someone so young would exhibit a photograph. But as I looked at the work, I was reminded that photography should not be viewed solely in terms of whether it is technically accomplished.
Behind that photograph was the landscape the child had seen, time spent with family, and feelings that existed only in that particular moment. Hearing that story in the exhibition space made me realize that the fascination of ppp lies in being able to encounter someone’s precious memories through photography.
At first, I was surprised that someone so young would exhibit a photograph. But as I looked at the work, I was reminded that photography should not be viewed solely in terms of whether it is technically accomplished.
Behind that photograph was the landscape the child had seen, time spent with family, and feelings that existed only in that particular moment. Hearing that story in the exhibition space made me realize that the fascination of ppp lies in being able to encounter someone’s precious memories through photography.
Q.04A Space Grows When People Have Someone to Turn To
cizucu Editorial Team
What did you value most within the Taipei team?
JoJo
What mattered most to me was creating an atmosphere in which everyone felt comfortable speaking openly.
Being the manager did not mean making every decision forcefully. I tried to consider each staff member’s circumstances and think things through together. They also felt like friends I saw once a month, so our relationships extended beyond work.
If someone was struggling, I would reach out. If a mistake was made, rather than simply pointing it out, I would quietly correct whatever I could. I think those small, repeated gestures shaped the atmosphere of the team.
Being the manager did not mean making every decision forcefully. I tried to consider each staff member’s circumstances and think things through together. They also felt like friends I saw once a month, so our relationships extended beyond work.
If someone was struggling, I would reach out. If a mistake was made, rather than simply pointing it out, I would quietly correct whatever I could. I think those small, repeated gestures shaped the atmosphere of the team.
Rin
JoJo did far more than manage the schedule. She was always attentive to the people around her so that staff and participants could feel at ease in the space. I believe the warmth and intimacy that characterize Taipei’s ppp were qualities JoJo cultivated little by little.
cizucu Editorial Team
What did you value when working with participants and volunteers? What kinds of connections emerged from those relationships?
JoJo
Exhibiting artists and volunteers each arrive with different backgrounds and emotions. That is precisely why I wanted to ensure that every person felt comfortable speaking openly.
JoJo
When participants not only exhibit their work but also have someone listen to them and share a response, their experience of ppp begins to change. Being present for those moments brought me tremendous joy as well.
Rather than a single major achievement, what mattered most to me was the emergence of small cycles and relationships: participants, staff, and volunteers connecting through photography and returning for the next edition. Those connections developed through the continuity of the project, and they became deeply important to me.
Rather than a single major achievement, what mattered most to me was the emergence of small cycles and relationships: participants, staff, and volunteers connecting through photography and returning for the next edition. Those connections developed through the continuity of the project, and they became deeply important to me.
Q.05A Safe Space for Conversation, Made Compelling by Different Ways of Seeing
cizucu Editorial Team
From your perspective, what qualities made cizucu and ppp distinctive?
JoJo
Their ability to connect people through photography, even across different countries and languages.
The teams in Japan and Taiwan were separated by both language and distance, but everyone was thinking about the same question: “How can we make this a meaningful experience for participants?” Whenever we encountered a problem, we could ask for advice immediately, and whenever we wanted to try something new, we received encouragement. To me, that atmosphere was quintessentially cizucu.
As we continued ppp in Taiwan, I repeatedly witnessed moments when people meeting for the first time naturally began talking because a photograph gave them a point of connection. In front of an artwork, age, profession, and linguistic differences receded, and the first thing to emerge was how each person felt about the photograph.
The teams in Japan and Taiwan were separated by both language and distance, but everyone was thinking about the same question: “How can we make this a meaningful experience for participants?” Whenever we encountered a problem, we could ask for advice immediately, and whenever we wanted to try something new, we received encouragement. To me, that atmosphere was quintessentially cizucu.
As we continued ppp in Taiwan, I repeatedly witnessed moments when people meeting for the first time naturally began talking because a photograph gave them a point of connection. In front of an artwork, age, profession, and linguistic differences receded, and the first thing to emerge was how each person felt about the photograph.
cizucu Editorial Team
Did those experiences change the way you see photography?
JoJo
Yes. I came to see photography as something that is not only about technical accomplishment, but also a means of passing a person’s memories and emotions on to someone else.
JoJo
At university, I actually studied television broadcasting and psychology. In class, our work was evaluated explicitly as either “good” or “bad,” and that experience sometimes made me feel inhibited. At ppp, however, every work carries a story unique to its creator. Rather than a space where only flawless photographs are presented, I see it as a place where people can gather while bringing their own distinct perspectives.
Q.06After the Tears: Discovering My Own Way of Being a Manager
cizucu Editorial Team
Looking back now, what emotions remain from your time as a ppp manager?
JoJo
There were many difficult moments, but what I feel most strongly now is that I gave it everything and carried it through to the end.
Although it may have appeared that we were presenting the same exhibition each time, no two days were ever truly alike. There were new participants and new staff members; each edition brought joyful moments while also presenting different challenges. I think that is why we were able to continue, constantly finding new ways to adapt and improve.
Although it may have appeared that we were presenting the same exhibition each time, no two days were ever truly alike. There were new participants and new staff members; each edition brought joyful moments while also presenting different challenges. I think that is why we were able to continue, constantly finding new ways to adapt and improve.
JoJo
I was anxious at first. But with each edition, I began thinking more carefully about how to keep the space functioning and how to help people feel comfortable speaking. I feel that both my way of looking at photography and my approach to engaging with others have changed somewhat.
cizucu Editorial Team
Is there anything you would like to tell the next person who becomes involved with ppp as a manager?
JoJo
I do not believe that only people who can do everything perfectly are able to contribute to ppp.
I could not do everything from the beginning either. I gradually learned through nervousness, mistakes, and tears. But if you bring your own thoughtfulness and a genuine desire to look carefully at and honor someone else’s work, I believe those feelings will inevitably become part of the space.
I could not do everything from the beginning either. I gradually learned through nervousness, mistakes, and tears. But if you bring your own thoughtfulness and a genuine desire to look carefully at and honor someone else’s work, I believe those feelings will inevitably become part of the space.
Q.07Messages of Love for JoJo from the Team Who Built Taiwan’s ppp Together
Saki
For me, the sense of reassurance that defines Taiwan’s ppp exists because JoJo is there. JoJo is like a mother figure to ppp in Taiwan. She was someone who made not only participants but also staff feel, “Everything will be all right because JoJo is here.”
JoJo once explained during an introduction why people call her “JoJo.” Her actual English name is Jocelyn, but because friends so often come to her for help, people began calling her JoJo—the sound resembles the Chinese phrase “求救,” meaning “Help me!”
JoJo once explained during an introduction why people call her “JoJo.” Her actual English name is Jocelyn, but because friends so often come to her for help, people began calling her JoJo—the sound resembles the Chinese phrase “求救,” meaning “Help me!”
The day before the first ppp held in Taipei.
From here, we present messages from the friends and colleagues who built Taiwan’s ppp alongside JoJo. A common thread runs through them all: JoJo did not simply manage operations—she created an atmosphere of reassurance and belonging.
Saki
When the cizucu staff from Japan came to Taiwan, JoJo said, “I’m from Tainan, Taiwan’s culinary capital, so I can’t possibly let people who have traveled all the way from overseas go home hungry. They have to eat their fill of delicious food!” That comment has always stayed with me.
JoJo—thank you for always supporting the Taiwan ppp team! Because of you, Taiwan’s ppp has remained such a safe and welcoming space. I have truly enjoyed every edition of ppp, and I am so happy that joining the Taiwan ppp team gave me the opportunity to meet you. I am certain that many joyful experiences await you. Remember to look after yourself, stay healthy, and enjoy every moment of studying abroad!
JoJo—thank you for always supporting the Taiwan ppp team! Because of you, Taiwan’s ppp has remained such a safe and welcoming space. I have truly enjoyed every edition of ppp, and I am so happy that joining the Taiwan ppp team gave me the opportunity to meet you. I am certain that many joyful experiences await you. Remember to look after yourself, stay healthy, and enjoy every moment of studying abroad!
洪玉庭（Hazel）
I am genuinely delighted that ppp gave me the opportunity to meet you and work alongside you. I believe I joined ppp because the Taipei team under your leadership had created a reassuring atmosphere—one that made me want to become part of it.
Your initiative and dedication to the team have always impressed me. Thank you so much for coming to help at both exhibitions in Kaohsiung! I feel a little sad knowing that you are leaving to study abroad, but even more than that, I am happy for you. I hope you remain healthy and that every day of this new journey is fulfilling and joyful!
Your initiative and dedication to the team have always impressed me. Thank you so much for coming to help at both exhibitions in Kaohsiung! I feel a little sad knowing that you are leaving to study abroad, but even more than that, I am happy for you. I hope you remain healthy and that every day of this new journey is fulfilling and joyful!
阿賢
JoJo, I am truly happy to have met you. You are an exceptional leader. Ever since I joined ppp, you have always brought everyone together, made each exhibition a success, and helped it become even better.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate and help, and for offering so much encouragement throughout the process. I hope everything goes smoothly during your studies in the United Kingdom. Please do not forget ppp or any of us—keep in touch!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate and help, and for offering so much encouragement throughout the process. I hope everything goes smoothly during your studies in the United Kingdom. Please do not forget ppp or any of us—keep in touch!
Hsu Tai
Hi JoJo, this is Tai from the Kaohsiung team. Although we did not work together for very long, I am deeply grateful for the guidance and support you gave me when I first joined the staff. Your passion and joyful spirit helped me feel at home within the team so quickly. I hope we can meet again at ppp!
Ben Lee
I feel incredibly happy and fortunate to have met you through ppp and to have worked alongside you as part of Taiwan’s ppp team. Thank you for leading the Taipei team over the past year and helping us achieve so many meaningful “firsts.” In particular, planning Taiwan’s first cizucu ppp exhibition together allowed us to mark the beginning of ppp in Taiwan side by side.
I have always admired your attentiveness and kindness. The coffee and snacks you quietly prepared during exhibitions, and the everyday care, encouragement, and support you offered everyone—all of it brought warmth and unity to the team.
Because you were there, we did not merely join a community. We were able to witness the birth of ppp in Taiwan together and become the first companions on this journey. Thank you for leaving Taiwan’s ppp with a culture of warmth and mutual trust.
I have always admired your attentiveness and kindness. The coffee and snacks you quietly prepared during exhibitions, and the everyday care, encouragement, and support you offered everyone—all of it brought warmth and unity to the team.
Because you were there, we did not merely join a community. We were able to witness the birth of ppp in Taiwan together and become the first companions on this journey. Thank you for leaving Taiwan’s ppp with a culture of warmth and mutual trust.
郭媛婷
Heartfelt congratulations on reaching the next milestone in your life. I am so happy that cizucu brought us together! Even though we had never met before, every time I saw you it felt as though we had known each other for years. Your presence always made me feel completely at ease.
Whatever you choose to do and whichever field you pursue, I know you will shine. I hope everything goes smoothly overseas and that you remain healthy. We will be waiting for your triumphant return!
Whatever you choose to do and whichever field you pursue, I know you will shine. I hope everything goes smoothly overseas and that you remain healthy. We will be waiting for your triumphant return!
阿森
Hi JoJo, this year we experienced so many editions of ppp together, from Taipei to Kaohsiung. Every one of those experiences was truly unforgettable. I hope your postgraduate studies go smoothly, and I look forward to seeing you again in Taiwan.
Julia Chou
JoJo, congratulations on the new journey ahead! I am sure the days to come will be wonderful. I am so glad we had the opportunity to work together. Thank you for all the support you have given us. I hope we will continue to stay connected.
Q.08Passing On the Baton: JoJo’s Legacy
Rin
What JoJo created in Taipei cannot be measured only by the number of exhibitions held or the record of their operations.
It lives in the atmosphere that allowed participants to present their work with confidence, the team culture that enabled staff to speak in their own words, and the moments when photography brought people closer together. Each of those qualities emerged from JoJo’s attentive gaze and thoughtful care.
I believe the optimism and passion I sensed during our first interview remained unchanged until the very end. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for nurturing Taipei’s ppp into what it is today!
It lives in the atmosphere that allowed participants to present their work with confidence, the team culture that enabled staff to speak in their own words, and the moments when photography brought people closer together. Each of those qualities emerged from JoJo’s attentive gaze and thoughtful care.
I believe the optimism and passion I sensed during our first interview remained unchanged until the very end. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for nurturing Taipei’s ppp into what it is today!
JoJo’s chapter with cizucu now reaches a turning point, but the relationships formed in Taipei and the words left by participants will continue to resonate.
Graduation may be less an ending than the passing of a baton. The warm and welcoming space JoJo cultivated in Taipei will pass into new hands, continuing to connect people and photography.
JoJo will now move to London, where she plans to study art therapy. Studying abroad will also mark a step toward expanding her career as a photographer into work that supports people’s emotions and self-understanding through photography. In London, she is preparing an exhibition centered on art therapy and exploring ways to integrate it with photography.
In the future, she hopes to support people emotionally and offer forms of healing through photography and other artistic media. The experience she gained through Taipei’s ppp—listening to others and creating spaces where people can express themselves with confidence—will inform the next stage of her practice. Since cizucu also presents ppp in London, we look forward to the possibility of one day creating a shared space with JoJo again in a new form. Her time with cizucu, and the circles of community that emerged from it, will continue.