2 years ago, PhotoPhilanthropy created an award for photographers who make community-based art. We feel it is an exciting genre of photographic practice that unites nonprofit organizations and photographers as they work toward the common good.
We define community-based photography as photography that is made by and for groups of people, under the guidance of a teacher. Often, the teacher is affiliated with a nonprofit organization or school program. Participants in a community-based art program can be students or adults.
Usually, the teacher and nonprofit organization have come together to work for positive change within a community. These collaborations have goals such as training people to tell stories; empowering people to create changes they want to see in their neighborhoods; increasing communication within communities; and augmenting traditional education with visual communication skills.
We are just beginning to learn about this kind of work and the incredible impact it can have. This award is designed so that you can teach us about what you do, and so that you can connect with other practitioners in this emerging field.
Toward that end, the recipient of the award will be determined by a vote of the entrants. Each applicant to the award will receive 3 votes—1 to be cast for their own project, and two to cast for other projects they feel uphold the standards and values of this genre of practice. Voting will commence after the submissions period has ended.
Submissions are now open!
Never heard of this before? You can read about one flourishing community-based photography program here.
