OPEN CALL

We are now seeking up to 12 young people aged 14 to 25 who self-identify as BAME to curate a photography exhibition responding to the theme Photography Changes Everything.

The group will be given a unique opportunity to develop their professional skills in a supported environment, to realise a contemporary photography exhibition as part of an internationally recognised festival.

Jamila Prowse, co-founder of Typical Girls Magazine, will work with the group to curate a display of work which will grow and expand alongside their ideas around photography and how it can be used to self- represent. In addition, the group will be supported in devising a series of free drop-in workshops for all young people to engage in the project.

PROJECT INTRODUCTION

This October, Brighton Photo Fringe presents its eighth festival along the south east coast of England. One of the largest and most inclusive photography festivals in the UK, BPF18 takes inspiration from Marvin Heiferman’s 2012 book click! photography changes everything, a collection of original essays, stories and images that explore “the many ways photography shapes our culture and our lives”.

Seeing yourself reflected in the cultural landscape is an integral part of belonging. Yet, for some, scrutinising the world around will bring no semblance of familiarity. For too long there has been a scarcity of diversity within popular culture. If you can’t see yourself being reflected in the world around you, how will you navigate your place within it?

In recent years a rise in self-representation through small print publishing has led to a shift in the cultural landscape. Photography has been at the centre point of this change. In a society which is dominated by visual imagery, a photograph can act as a powerful catalyst for progress. Reflections of Us recognises the power of the photograph as a tool through which to create a mirror; a space for our own identities to reflect back at us.

PROJECT OUTLINE

Up to 12 participants will be selected to:

• Work with the BPF18 team to realise an exhibition as part of Brighton Photo Fringe 2018
• Attend a series of workshops and seminars by professional BAME curators, publishers and photographers
• Work as a team to devise a series of drop-in workshops as part of Brighton Photo Fringe 2018
• Support the installation of Reflections of Us at Phoenix
• The group will attend a number of workshops during September and October with key creatives working to widen representation in the fields of curation, photography and publishing
• A finissage event will take place on Sunday 28 October from 1pm to celebrate the completion of the project and to view the final exhibition. This will be our final official event of the Festival.

The sessions will take place over six weeks between 22 September – 27 October on the following dates:

22 September, 29 September, 6 October, 13 October, 20 October and 27 October.

ELIGIBILITY

You are:

• a Black or Minority Ethnic person age 14 to 25 with an interest in photography, curation or visual art
• available for an introductory session on 22 or 29 September
• available for a minimum of three sessions
• based in Brighton & Hove or the Sussex area

HOW TO APPLY

Fill in a short application formapplication form here to registerhere to register your interest.

Supported by Chalk Cliff Trust and Santander Foundation

Image: courtesy Typical Girls Magazine