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In a world plagued by political and religious conflict, environmental tragedies, and grave socio-economic disparity, the genre of social documentary photography is more relevant than ever before. South Asia is facing unique challenges and issues that need to be chronicled. Ecological disasters, displacement and migration, political and religious conflict, socio-economic disparity, agrarian distress, and gender and LGBTQ issues are some of the concerns that touch us. Rather than simply accepting these as inevitable, stepping over them or averting our eyes, solutions can be discussed and strategies formulated when they are acknowledged. It is paramount for all of us as world citizens to spur into action and create work that reflects our concerns. With this objective in mind, the MurthyNAYAK Foundation (MNF) in association with Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts and Communications (SACAC), initiated a grant of INR 2,00,000 to be awarded to a South Asian Photographer, under the age of 35 years, working on a socially relevant theme.
The 2nd Annual Social Documentary Photography Grant accepted submissions through August 15, 2019. This award was for a photographer under the age of 35 years. The eligibility criteria in 2019 was expanded to include photographers not only in India, but also in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The award is for an ongoing project – not for completed bodies of work. Applicants must hold no other fellowship or grant for the proposed project at the time the application is made. The grant money must be used in the making, printing, and exhibition of the work.
The jury reviewed submissions to announce the awardee September 15, 2019, at SACAC. Between October 2019 and September 2020, the award winner was to take the project forward, and have regular reviews with a SACAC mentor to evaluate the progress of the work, submitting a final set of twenty photographs in a year.
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20 November
