About

Applications are now invited from exceptional candidates for the Magnum Foundation Photography & Social Justice Fellowship 2021. The Magnum Foundation’s Photography and Social Justice Program builds capacity through critical explorations of photography and social change.

Each year, the program supports a diverse, international group of Photography and Social Justice Fellows who are passionate about challenging injustice, pursuing social equality, and advancing human rights through photography. The program provides space for interdisciplinary experimentation, mentored project development, and cross-cultural, critical discourse for developing new approaches to socially engaged documentary practice.

With intensive mentorship, artist- and expert-led workshops, peer-to-peer learning, and production funds, this program prepares fellows to make effective creative projects and become leaders who inspire social movements, pose difficult questions, and stimulate debate and awareness about pressing social issues.

Fellowship

Magnum Foundation covers the cost of participation, including all educational and programmatic activities. Fellows also receive a modest stipend to support the production of their projects. The program is produced in partnership with the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism.

Program Elements

  • Photography and Social Justice Seminar with Fred Ritchin (April–June): Participants will attend a discussion-based seminar course that begins with three informal gatherings in April and May and meets biweekly in June. Through discussion and experimental exercises, the seminar will explore ethics and creative strategies for advancing social justice.
  • Workshops (March-June): Workshop topics include photography and activism, research methods, multimedia production, human rights law, preparedness and self-care, bookmaking, writing, curatorial practice, public speaking, digital security, and others.
  • Mentored Project Development (March-June): Fellows complete the proposed body of work that aims to advance social justice in their communities with on-going support from the Magnum Foundation.
  • Mentored Project Production (July-October): With support from mentors, participants will produce their projects, implement distribution strategies, and deliver final works to Magnum Foundation.

Who can Apply?

  1. Applicants can be documentary photographers, artists, and photojournalists, activists who use photography in their change-making practice, or scholars who incorporate images and image-making in their research and scholarship.
  2. They encourage applications from self-taught photographers who have not had access to formal training.
  3. Applicants must be proficient in spoken and written English. English is the primary shared language that will be used for discussion among participants during seminars, workshops, and mentor sessions.
  4. Applicants should be open-minded, willing to experiment, and motivated to participate in critical discussion with colleagues.

How to Apply?

  • Interested candidates can apply online by clicking here.
  • Last date to apply is December 1, 2020.
  • Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed and final decisions will be made by the end of February 2021.
  • There are no exceptions to the deadline. Applicants are encouraged to get their application in before the official due date to avoid any technical issues that might interfere with timely submission.
  • For Official Notification, Click Here