Calling All Budding African-American Artists: Apply Online for the 2009 William H. Johnson Prize

In honor of the late painter, the William H. Johnson Foundation for the Arts is seeking pioneering young artists working in one or more of the following mediums: painting, photography, sculpture, printmaking, installation and/or new genre.

In 1926, William H. Johnson was acknowledged as the most talented artist in his class at New York’s National Academy of Design; however, he was passed over for a traveling scholarship most likely because of his race. Rather than see Johnson flounder in the United States, his teacher at that time, Charles Hawthorne, gifted Johnson $1,000 so that he could travel to Europe and escape the prejudices of the American art scene.

In the spirit of this remarkable act of generosity, the William H. Johnson Foundation seeks to award the most deserving of African-American artists early in their careers with the substantial amount of $25,000, in the hopes that this gift will have the same pivotal effect on a burgeoning artist today as it did on the young Johnson.

Past Johnson Prize Winners include Laylah Ali (2002); Nadine Robinson (2003); Kori Newkirk (2004); Dave McKenzie (2005); Edgar Arceneaux (2006); Rodney McMillian (2007); and Jennie C. Jones (2008). Their winning submissions can be viewed on the Foundation Web site.

To apply, simply fill out the application form on the Foundation Web site, follow the requirements for image files, and then upload 12 images or submit a DVD to the Foundation’s Los Angeles office, along with two letters of recommendation. There is no application fee, only a deadline; all entries must be submitted by 3 pm on Friday July 31, 2009. 

Economic Conditions Got You Down? Apply Now for a Tuition-Free VJ Multimedia Workshop: July 30-Aug 2, 2009 in Ventura, California!

In response to the current economic crisis, Brooks Institute and Pierce College are combining efforts to offer an extraordinary four-day multimedia workshop for a highly select group of 50 individuals—25 students and 25 professionals. This unique opportunity will consist of a 24-hour shooting period, followed by two post-production workshop days, valuable portfolio reviews and a lecture series by several notable guest speakers.

The goal of this program is to give back to the visual journalism community by educating a new generation of visual journalists in current practices and strategies. In addition to the time spent shooting, editing and having work reviewed by award-winning photojournalists, filmmakers and educators, all participants will increase their exposure by having their final work displayed on the workshop’s Web site.

To apply, simply follow the instructions and file sizing requirements listed on the application Web site, and upload between 10 and 20 of your most compelling images, along with a short explanation of why you deserve to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Applications are open to all college students and visual journalists who have lost employment in the past two years. The deadline to apply is June 21, 2009 and attendees will be notified of their selection by July 7. And, if the benefits mentioned above are not enough to entice you, the best part of this workshop is that it’s tuition-free!

Apply now for Western Kentucky University’s Mountain Workshops in Murray, Kentucky: Oct. 27-31, 2009!

Are you a creative professional or talented student interested in strengthening your skills and engaging your passion for visual storytelling? Now in its 33rd year, Western Kentucky University’s photojournalism department is offering it’s annual Mountain Workshops series in Murray, Kentucky this coming fall. This formative experience consists of an inspiring and information-packed 5-day program that will hone your abilities and broaden your knowledge.

Three workshops are offered concurrently in Photojournalism, Multimedia and Picture Editing. Photojournalism applicants can apply by submitting a Web site link or a 10-image portfolio and resume on CD/DVD. Multimedia applicants must submit a 20-image portfolio, two multimedia slideshows and resume by disk or a Web site link. There is no portfolio requirement for Picture Editing workshop applicants, simply a resume. All applicants must also complete this short application form.

Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements, lodging and food during the workshops, however, hotels are cheap, starting at around $60, and there are a myriad of restaurants in the area. The closest major airport is located in Nashville, TN.

The workshops are taught by a group of award-winning faculty and staff who will challenge participants to produce increasingly compelling work during the course of the program. While there is no application deadline, interested parties are encouraged to apply soon because of the sought after nature of these programs and the limited number of available spaces!