Deadline: 23:59 on 12 December 2024.

For full details, including timeline and budget, please download the commission brief below.

New Focus and Impressions Gallery are looking for two photographers to create compelling new portraits of families in Bradford – by this, we mean families in the traditional and non-traditional sense, and in broad social definition, this could include community groups, workplaces, clubs and societies.

This is a free open call, and the work made by the two photographers will be shown in a major exhibition at Impressions Gallery as part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.

There are two commissions of £3,000 available for photographers at any level, who are based in Bradford.

The commission may be used to produce a new body of work within the six-month timeframe (January–June 2025) or help the photographer complete an existing project consistent with the brief.

The commissioning process is being led by members of New Focus, Impressions Gallery’s award-winning programme that supports young people to gain the skills and experience they need to become the creatives of the future.

The commissioned photographers will receive 1:1 practical and curatorial support throughout, including regular check-ins with the New Focus Bradford Young Curators, the New Focus Curatorial Mentor, and the gallery team. They will also benefit from Impressions networks and expertise, plus opportunities to share practice with other commissioned photographers.

These new opportunities accompany a commission already awarded to Nathan McGill, a socially-engaged photographer from Bradford. McGill is also the curator of the Trevor Berry archive and a former member of the New Focus programme.

What are we looking for?

• We are keen to see a range of photographic approaches to the subject, with each photographer bringing their perspective and style to the commission.
• This project is about people, so we are particularly interested in submissions from those who enjoy working with individuals and groups, and who can foster an open and engaging environment for new work to be made.
• The work should spark interest and dialogue, and encourage new or alternative perspectives on Bradford and its people.
• Collaboration is at the heart of the commission. You will need to be positive about working with the New Focus as part of the process, enabling the young people to reach their creative and professional potential and embrace this commission as a unique opportunity for reciprocal learning.

Who can apply?

• We welcome applications from photographers based in the Bradford District, at any level, working across all forms of photography, including moving image.
• Joint or co-produced proposals are welcome. Please note that the £3,000 commission is per proposal, not per participant.
• We are looking for photographers who can commit time to developing and making this work from January to June 2025. In addition the option to be available for associated events during the exhibition period of September to December 2025 where possible.
• Applicants must be over 18 years old – there is no upper age limit for applicants.
• The commission is not open to those currently in full-time education.
• Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK, be resident in the UK, and with the intention to continue residence within the UK until December 2025 (you do not need to be a British National).
• We encourage applications from those who identify as D/deaf, disabled or neurodivergent, come from working-class backgrounds, and/or are ethnically diverse.

The commissions are part of an Impressions Gallery project in partnership with Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.

Photos: © Impressions Gallery, Pishdaad Modaressi.