National Media Museum (NMM) Annual Bursary Awards 2008

Press Release:

The National Media Museum in partnership with five sponsors has announced a second programme of Annual Bursary Awards for photographic projects, following the success of the inaugural bursary scheme in 2007. The Awards granted will again be up to a sum of £20,000 and will commence on 1st May 2008.

The bursary scheme forms part of the Museum’s ongoing commitment to photography in promoting the work of emerging photographers. The bursaries help talented photographers to produce ongoing projects or a new body of work and provide support for them to develop and enhance their practice and profile.

Last year’s winners were Simon Roberts who was awarded £7,000 for a major UK-based project on the theme of social gatherings; Olivia Arthur who was awarded £5,000 for a new project about second generation communities in the UK adapting to European culture; Trish Morrissey, awarded £3,500 for a project on themes surrounding the beach, motherhood and family photography; Robin Grierson, awarded £1,500 to print an exhibition of 40 photographs; Penny Klepuszewska, awarded £1,500 to fund research and development for her project Living Arrangements about the effect of changes on contemporary family life on elderly people; and Carolyn Lefley who was awarded £1,500 for the development and production of a portfolio of work on a project themed around the uncanny and nostalgic nature of the doll’s house.

"The 2007 National Media Museum Bursaries were a great success," said Greg Hobson, Curator of Photographs at the National Media Museum. "Six photographers shared a total fund of £20 000, allowing them to develop their practice in a variety ways from attending international portfolio review panels to completing major bodies of work. We are delighted that we are able to continue to support emerging talent in the UK in 2008."

Applicants must provide a brief written synopsis of their proposal together with their CV, an example of their work, and application form. Applications are invited from all nationalities providing they are resident in the UK at the time of the award. Projects must be completed within one year of awards being made and successful applicants are expected to work independently, but will receive support and guidance from Museum staff if required. At the completion of the project successful applicants must donate one work from an edition, or a series of works, to the National Media Museum.

The closing date for applications is 26th September 2008.

The sponsors working in partnership with the Museum are:

• Michael G Wilson (Chairman of the Trustees of the National Media Museum),
• Zelda Cheatle (WMG Photography Advisor and Curator),
• Simon Crocker (Chairman of The John Kobal Foundation),
• Pierre Brahm (Chairman of the BRAHM and Henry & James Property Group),
• Philippe Garner (International Head of Photography, Christie’s Auction House)

Interested applicants can download further details and an application form from the National Media Museum website.