Photography Graduate Support Scheme
Graduating in 2020 is a particular challenge in the face of lockdown and profound social change. Redeye is pleased to announce a significantly expanded support programme for all UK photography graduates. Elements include:
- The launch of the new Graduate Mentoring Scheme with 15 sector partners;
- The forthcoming re-launch of Fourth Year group sessions, delivered online;
- Paid work in the form of Snapshot events and website Case Studies;
- Coming soon: Lightbox, reshaped for the 'new normal';
- Alongside that we list a range of opportunities from colleagues in other photo organisations.
2020 Photography Graduate Mentoring
Redeye is pleased to announce the Photography Graduate Mentoring scheme in partnership with organisations and specialist photography mentors across the UK. This scheme offers free mentoring sessions for as many selected graduates as we can accommodate, running from summer 2020 to summer 2021. These sessions will help graduates navigate the start of their career, offering practical advice on business models, developing your practice, skills and contacts, and making the most of the support available. There's a simple application process open until 6th July 2020. More details here.
Fourth Year
In late summer 2020 we re-launch our Fourth Year programme. Fourth Year consistes of regular small group feedback sessions for recent graduates, arranged by Redeye and co-hosted by university and college staff, to help bridge the gap between studying and developing your creative career. These friendly and supportive sessions are open to all recent graduates, and anyone else in the early stage of their career, who would like some feedback from tutors and peers. As they are delivered over Zoom you can attend as often as you like, with any of the supporting universities.
Paid work
We are now accepting submissions for our Covid-19 Case Studies and Snapshots series of workshops. The Case Studies are blog posts that we are publishing to highlight some of the brilliant creative projects established during lockdown. If you've adapted to new ways of working, developed a project or resource while socially distancing, or set up a photo scheme to benefit the community, please contact us with a brief description of the project.
Snapshots are a new series of short presentations that are quick makes we can all try out at home. If you have a photography technique or skill that you can teach in a 20-30 minute Zoom workshop we'd love to hear from you. Send a brief description of the workshop to chat@redeye.org.uk and if we think we can include it we'll be back in touch with more information.
Lightbox
Lightbox is our year-long course of training and mentoring support for the next generation of the most talented photographers. In previous editions of Lightbox, small groups of photographers have worked as collectives to produce collaborative projects, often at international festivals. We are currently planning a new version of Lightbox online and expect to open for applications in summer 2020.
---
We would also like to draw your attention to some other brilliant schemes to support graduates from our friends and partners… If you have anything to add to this list, please send it to us.
The Association of Photographers are running a new series of free online talks, looking at the impact of Covid-19 on the photographic community. Registration is first open to AOP members, and in the second week of booking anyone else is welcome to join.
The BAG is no-strings attached financial support to help the selected artists in whatever they want – be that make new work, buy equipment or materials, travel, research, visit exhibitions or conferences, or to even just cover some life expenses. This is specifically for Black artists; not politically black, not POC or BAME.
Folio Friday, The Photographers' Gallery
The Photographers' Gallery is currently running free portfolio reviews on Fridays for photographers. You can sign up on their website for feedback from The Photographers' Gallery and other industry partners.
Submit your work to Grain for a chance to be featured on their Instagram as part of the #StudentSpotlight series. Grain also have their own scheme for graduate mentoring; we will update this page when the next sessions are released.
MADE IT 2020, Short Supply Manchester
MADE IT is a selected showcase of graduate artists class of 2020 supported by CASS ART. Shortlisted artists will be exhibited in a digital curated group exhibition, and entered for an additional opportunity to win Curators Choice, People's Choice or the CASS ART Prize.
Natasha Caruana Mentorship 2020
The 2020 NC Mentorship for women and non-binary creatives will be conducted online and will take the form of supporting and guiding you on your creative journey. The two-week program will also include networking opportunities with key industry professionals and (paid) assisting opportunities.