Following Picfair’s exploration of the benefits of photography on mental health last month, the recipients of ten £2000 Mind The Lens grants have been announced. The judging panel included Fiona Shields (Head of Photography at The Guardian) Katy Cowan (founder of Creative Boom) and Philip Mowbray, Picfair’s own head of photography.
Billy Hani Billima (Kenya) - A photography business promoting self acceptance and self-esteem for LGBTI Kenyans
Paul Williams (UK) - A portrait project around armed forces veterans, NHS frontline staff, first responders and everyday citizens who have experienced mental health trauma
Chin We (UK) - Furthering her 'Sis2020' project around post-lockdown unease and anxiety
Create (UK)- Photography workshops for Young Carers
Too Tired Project (USA) - A mentorship programme for photographers from marginalised communities
Kiran Ridley (FR) - Portraits of Refugee project
The Photography Movement (UK) - Show & Tell exhibition 2022
Catherine North (UK) - A book exploring the impact of photography on mood, wellbeing and mental health
John Mannell (UK) - A feel good magazine discussing issues around mental health
Harry Borden-(UK) ‘The Darkest Hour’ photo book project in collaboration with a local suicide charity
Congratulations to the winners and a huge thank you to anyone who took the time to apply for a grant, we received a huge volume and the quality of projects we reviewed was exceptionally high.
The IG Live interviews from our content partnership with The Photography Movement with photographers Emma Hardy, Francis Augusto and Charlie Clift as well as content from the two takeovers are still available over on Picfair’s Instagram should you have missed those and want to check them out
We’ll be spotlighting these amazing projects as they move forwards, so more to follow.
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with their mental health or emotional wellbeing, you can find support and resources on the mental health charity Mind’s website and NHS Every Mind Matters or access the NHS’ guide to local mental health helplines and organisations here.
You can also call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123 for confidential support.
