Robin Hammond’s ‘Condemned – Mental Health in African Countries in Crisis’ series. Hammond was the 2013 winner of the W. Eugene Smith grant.
This year’s W. Eugene Smith grant for humanist photographers is now open. One photographer will be awarded $30,000 as a grant to complete a photo project that follows in the noble traditions of the late W. Eugene Smith. Smith’s photos famously captured the agony of World War 2 and the suffering of those caught in the midst of the action. In recent years those receiving the grant have been able to produce their own amazing and challenging collections of modern conflicts and problems, all sadly showing that the world has not really gone that far after all.
Smith is considered a legend of American photojournalism because,
His work, imbued with moral fervor, evinces a clear difference between good and evil, the individual’s ability to transcend his or her circumstances, the inherent goodness (even heroism) in people, the capacity and willingness of one person to help others.
When evaluating applicants the jury is looking for those photographers who are keen to explore intellectually challenging topics. Judging on past winners successful applicants are those who give voices to people unable to speak for themselves, and will shine a light on unknown or unreported events.. Over the last 35 years the foundation has been responsible for enabling some of the most gifted photographers on the planet to produce critically acclaimed and important projects, which have helped further human rights across the globe. Last year’s recipient Robin Hammond produced a fantastic portfolio expressing the chronic abuse faced by mental health patients in Africa. Judged by an international panel the reward has been given to photographers from and working in as diverse places as China, America and Iraq. The deadline for applications is 31st May and those who are applying are allowed to submit a portfolio of up to 40 photographs.
To anyone reading this who decides to apply good luck! There might not be a more worthwhile grant out there.
