National Open Call Opportunity; 

REFLECTOR, a new and unique professional development programme,  open to emerging photographers, artists and curators of colour, working with photography, who are based in England. 

Produced by GRAIN Projects in partnership with The New Art Gallery Walsall, supported by Art Fund’s Reimagine programme.

REFLECTOR will empower participants and create new opportunities for collaboration and career development.  The programme will take place over 10 months, starting in October 2023, and will include both online and in person activities.   

The programme includes mentoring, masterclasses, portfolio reviews, and networking opportunities. These activities are thoughtfully designed to boost professional development and empower artists to advance their creative pursuits to the next level. Additionally, bursaries will be provided to support artists in creating new work and further enhancing their skills. Participants will learn directly from inspiring artists, mentors, projects and events.  REFLECTOR will amplify and platform work as well as being a unique opportunity to learn and develop new skills.  Participants will also receive support in developing CVs, statements, portfolios and creating new work for exhibition.

The programme will be of the highest quality and will have national impact, building on GRAIN and The New Art Gallery Walsall’s excellent work over the last eight years, supporting and developing artists through activities that include masterclasses, mentoring, internships, bursaries, residencies, portfolio reviews and advice sessions. 

Up to 20 participants will be recruited to take part in the 10 month programme.  All participants will be awarded a £1000 bursary to support their involvement.  

Deadline for Applications; 9th October 2023 at midnight (GMT).

Once selected the programme is free.  All participants must commit to the entire 10 month programme. 

This opportunity is open to photographers, artists and curators of colour with an emerging practice.   It is not open to F/T students and is focused on supporting the development of emerging practitioners.  This is defined as an individual who has not had a major solo exhibition of their work, a published photobook and does not have gallery representation. 

How To Apply:

Please send your application as one PDF to applications@grainphotographyhub.co.uk  with ‘REFLECTOR Application’ in the subject line.   This must include;

• CV
• Outline explaining why you would like to apply for the programme and how you
  think it will benefit you (maximum 250 words)
• A selection of images of recent work
• Link to your website and social media.

Please note only full applications consisting of all the above information will be considered.

Deadline for applications: 9th October 2023 at midnight (GMT).

The programme will start on Saturday 21st October with an in person meeting for all at The New Art Gallery Walsall. Attendance is essential.

Please note during the 10 month programme there will be approximately two meetings per month. These will be on Saturdays (in person) and on weekday evenings (online).  

More information, visit the Art Fund website: https://www.artfund.org/our-purpose/news/1-million-in-grants-awarded-to-museums-and-galleries and see the press release attached below.