The END Fund and African Women in Photography invite proposals from women and non-binary individuals across the African continent. This initiative aims to provide artists with a unique platform to showcase compelling visual narratives that highlight the experiences of women and girls affected by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). These powerful yet often overlooked stories deserve greater attention as they shed light on the health challenges faced by marginalized communities.
This project, Reframing Neglect, showcases the collaboration between AWP and Aidah Muluneh, the founder of Africa Foto Fair. It seeks to transform photography into a catalyst for advocacy and change by documenting the impact of NTDs. By using visual storytelling, the project hopes to challenge prevailing narratives and amplify frequently unheard voices. Many diseases cause immense suffering but remain on the periphery of global health conversations. Through this initiative, artists will be crucial in shifting perspectives and advocating for meaningful solutions.
The call for submissions is open to artists from the following African countries: Angola, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
The proposal includes lens-based media: photography, film, or multimedia. Artists will focus on at least one of the six NTDs that The END Fund is actively working to eliminate. These include intestinal worms, schistosomiasis, river blindness (onchocerciasis), lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), trachoma, and visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar).
A distinguished panel of jurors will evaluate the submissions. The jury includes Lee Ann Olwage (Visual Photographer, South Africa), Tamary Kudita (Visual Artist, Zimbabwe), Fadzai Veronica Muchemwa (Researcher and Curator, Zimbabwe), Ala Kheir (Photographer, Sudan), Nyancho NwaNri (Photographer, Nigeria), and Fiona Shields (Head of Photography, Guardian News & Media).
Five selected photographers will each receive a commission grant of USD 10,000 from The END Fund. This funding will support the entire process, from project development to final production and delivery. The awarded artists must complete their projects within three months of their selection. They will receive mentorship, resources, and ongoing support from AWP and its network of professionals.
Submissions are open from March 3rd to March 31st at midnight. The winners will be announced in April 2025.
This initiative highlights the geographical, ecological, and socio-economic impact of NTDs on vulnerable populations. Participating photographers must explore the medical consequences and the broader social, economic, and psychological effects of these diseases within affected communities.
Click here to submit your proposal.
