[dropcap style=”font-size:100px;color:#992211;”]E[/dropcap]very year, the British Photography Awards run an open assignment to the public that is separate from the annual non-profit competition, and is free to enter. The purpose of the British Photographic Assignments is to inform and inspire as a platform for expression in the national cultural interest, and represent the variety of experiences, emotions, interpretations and opinions that each yearly theme presents.
This year’s assignment is the subject of COVID-19. Welcoming work for public discussion on the theme of the global pandemic, photographers can submit imagery that informs people of how the situation has affected their life. It is open to interpretation depending on each photographer’s process and practice, and all disciplines and approaches of photography are welcomed. The venture is aimed at celebrating the variety and creativity found throughout the British still-imaging sector while informing and inspiring the public during these trying times. Photographers are asked to submit between 5–15 captioned images with an optional accompanying essay of up to 400 words.
Covid-19 Competition
So far submitted are over 3,200 images, regular highlights from which are showcased on the BPA’s Instagram. Photos of ballet, wild animals, social justice protests, indoor climbing, key workers, indoor street photography, fine art works, daily encounters and much more have already been very popular from the project.
Hugo Donnithorne-Tait, director of The British Photography Awards, said: “The Assignments platform is an important commons with huge potential for the public to experience British photographic work, no matter the level, scale or approach. It is open to everyone, from students to professional photojournalists. Each year we shall explore a new theme together, curate an online gallery and celebrate the images at our annual awards event.”
The assignment, open to all British photographers, is continuing to accept images until 1 January 2021. Find further information here.
Image: Gemma Griffiths, “Jeté”, Lockdown Ballet series, 2020.
Naila Scargill is the publisher and editor of horror journal Exquisite Terror. Holding a broad editorial background, she has worked with an eclectic variety of content, ranging from film and the counterculture, to political news and finance.
