The Society for Photographic Education (SPE) will be hosting its 45th National Conference in Denver, Colorado, March 13-16, 2008. The theme is “Agents of Change: Art and Advocacy.” The organization is offering scholarships to its student members and encouranging young photographers to be a part of next year’s annual event.
Eleven SPE Student Awards will include a one-year membership to SPE, admission to the conference and a $500 travel stipend. Students may include application fees with their entry—$50 for SPE membership—to join and thus be eligible for an award. These include the SPE Student Awards, the Jeannie Pearce Award (focus is on digital technology), and The Freestyle Crystal Apple Award for Outstanding Achievement in Black and White Photography.
The deadline for these awards is November 1, 2007.
Click here to view the application in PDF format.
The Society for Photographic Education is a non-profit organization dedicated to the discussion of photogaphy as a form of fine art, its potential for cultural illumination, and its role in the world of politics, journalism, and beyond. Through services, workshops, seminars, classes, and other programs, SPE seeks not only to spread understanding and awareness of fine art photography, but to foster the development of education, commentary on the craft, and criticism.
About the conference, from the SPE website:
“The work of a photographic artist took center stage during the 108th United States Congress. On the agenda was the fate of drilling for oil in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). According to Secretary Gale Norton ANWR was “a flat white nothingness.” In response, Senator Barbara Boxer denounced drilling and held up a book of photographs by Subhanker Banerjee that showed the refuge brimming with life. Congress voted to save ANWR from drilling for two more years.
Lens-based artists have been catalysts for change with imagery that advocates social and environmental awareness. Artists bear witness, interpret, expose and address problems ranging from the Aids epidemic and stereotypes in race and gender to the plight of refugees in war torn countries. In what ways are artists responding to the local and global challenges that are reshaping politics, cultures, economies and the planet? As educators, artists and scholars, what has been the historical impact of our advocacy? What role will we play in shaping the future?
Denver and the Rocky Mountain West have long been home to diverse and often opposing political, social, economic and environmental interests. With fortunes historically linked to extractive industries like mining, natural gas, and oil, Denver is also a leader in urban planning and energy conservation. The Mile High City has been invigorated by major new projects in the arts. The Denver Art Museum has opened its new Hamilton Building, designed by architect Daniel Libeskind. The Denver Museum of Contemporary Art has broken ground for a new 27,000 square foot environmentally-efficient building. Denver is a dynamic and growing modern city that enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year and the magnificent Rocky Mountains in the backyard.
Joann Brennan
Conference Chair”
Registration for the Conference is $220 for members, $345 or non-members.
Marketing Photos with Mary Virginia Swanson 