CALL FOR ENTRIES: “Crisis & Opportunity: Documenting the Global Recession”

In the spirit of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) of the New Deal in the 1930s, when photographers documented the hardship and proposed solutions, SocialDocumentary.net (SDN) is issuing a Call for Entries. We are looking for photo essays that provide insight into how ordinary citizens around the world are coping during these new “hard times” and how individuals, companies, industries, family businesses, communities, and governments are responding to the crisis.

We encourage a broad definition of the global recession. Suggested stories include those of people losing their jobs, homes, and health benefits; or the effects on vulnerable communities in conflict zones, global climate change; or how the UN’s millennium goals in economic development and health improvement have been stalled by lack of resources. We are also interested in how people and governments are working to overcome these challenges in creative ways such as agricultural development; wind, solar and other alternative energies; public health programs to stop the spread of disease; or technological innovations to reduce greenhouse gases and dependence on oil. These are just examples. We welcome new stories and approaches to documenting this important topic. If photographers are not sure if their stories fit into our definition of the global recession, they are encouraged to inquire at info@socialdocumentary.net.

First Place:
One photographer will be awarded:
A $1,500 cash prize.
Exhibition of their work in a group show with other winners at powerHouse Arena in Brooklyn, NY, from February 15 to March 14, 2010. SDN to pay for all reproduction, and hanging fees.
Invitation to participate on a panel discussion at the opening night reception at powerHouse Arena on February 16, 2010. (photographer will need to cover their travel expenses).
Exhibit featured in exhibition catalog printed by Meridian Printing, the leading printer of photography books in North America.
A featured exhibit on the SDN home page for two weeks and features in email spotlights.
A LowePro Vertex 300 AW backpack.

Honorable Mention:
Three photographers will be awarded: Exhibition of some of their winning work at powerHouse Arena in Brooklyn, NY in a group show from February 15-March 14, 2010. SDN to pay for all reproduction, and hanging fees.
Exhibit included in exhibition catalog.
Winning work featured on the website of SocialDocumentary.net and in email spotlights.
A LowePro Fastpack 350 backpack.

All competition winners will each receive five complimentary copies of catalog.

DEADLINE: December 1, 2009 For more information visit: http://www.Socialdocumentary.net OR http://www.socialdocumentary.net/competition.php