Leica Camera USA has launched a new program called the Leica Women Foto Project “to support diversity and inclusion in photography,” a press release has announced. The initiative includes ongoing programs, events, and a photography award “dedicated to the Project that jointly serve to inspire narratives through the female perspective.” By shining a spotlight on women’s perspectives in photography, Leica aims to diversify and amplify views of the world.
“This importance of diversity in visual storytelling strengthens the integrity of our collective story,” said Kiran Karnani, Director of Marketing for Leica Camera North America. “Visual expressions through myriad lenses challenge and embrace ideas that drive important conversations. We enable growth through an expansion of thought when we actively support inclusivity through the photographic medium. With the Leica Women Foto Project, we aim to embolden photographers to think outside one’s own point of view, support underrepresented voices to speak their visual languages, and celebrate new ways of seeing.”
The new Leica Women Foto Project Award will support three photographers as they pursue their passion through a long-term project. Selected on the basis of “highest quality photography, dedication to the photography medium, and sophistication of project as expressed through the female perspective and in conversation with today’s social climate,” the winners will each receive $10,000.
The grantees, to be announced on October 16, will be chosen by a panel of judges including VII Agency photographer Maggie Steber and Karin Kauffman, Art Director and Chief Representative of Leica Galleries International. Along with the prize money, the winners will receive a one-year loan of a Leica Q2 to be passed down to the next generation of winners, and a replacement camera to be added to their photography kits.
“Grey’s Anatomy” creator Shonda Rhimes, in partnership with Dove, recently introduced #ShowUs, a photography database showcasing over 5,000 images of diverse women and nonbinary folks in order to boost accurate representation in advertising and media.
Submissions for the Leica Women Foto Project will be accepted through August 29. Applicants are required to submit a portfolio and a proposal. To apply or find out more, visit Leica’s website.
