Magnum Foundation is proud to announce the 2021 Photography and Social Justice Fellows, eleven photographers, artists, and activists who are challenging injustice, pursuing social equity, and advancing human rights through photography.
Selected from 487 applicants, they join a network of 57 other image-makers that have been trained through this program since 2010. This year’s selection process included former fellows, who reviewed the proposals of applicants working within their regions and areas of expertise.
FRANSISCA ANGELA | INDONESIA
“I believe art is a medium to express what we see, how we feel, and therefore can also be utilized as a form of resistance. Ultimately, our role is to make room for another form of narrative so people can reconnect with the wonder of reimagining things.”
The fellows are: Johanna Alarcón, Ecuador, Fransisca Angela, Indonesia, Roy Baizan, United States, Jean Bizimana, Rwanda, Citlali Fabián, Mexico, Mohamed Mahdy, Egypt, Sanna Irshad Mattoo, Kashmir, Jaisingh Nageswaran, India, Isadora Romero, Ecuador, Ranita Roy, India,Victor Zea, Peru
Group workshops and intensive mentorship will guide fellows in using their creative skills to amplify movements, to witness, to resist oppression, to pose difficult questions, and to stimulate debate and awareness about the issues they champion.
ROY BAIZAN | UNITED STATES
“To be a photographer can mean so much more than photographing. Stories are the starting point for community engagement; the images we make should celebrate, inspire, and activate the spaces we occupy.”
CITLALI FABIÁN | MEXICO
“I keep motivated to create because I have witnessed how relevant it is for my people, indigenous groups, to feel encouraged and valued, to preserve our culture, and also to feel proud of our heritage.”
JOHANNA ALARCÓN | ECUADOR
“Art is about sharing. I believe we have the power to retell human history, unfolding unlimited possibilities that let us see what must be left and what must be fought for.”
JEAN BIZIMANA | RWANDA
“My mission is to change the way others see stories from my country and other African nations. I can only do this by a better understanding of how the world sees photography and Rwanda.”
The fellows will each produce a project over the course of the fellowship and support each other in the project development process. This year’s mentors include Sim Chi Yin, a former fellow, and Sohrab Hura and Newsha Tavakolian, who are both Magnum Foundation board members. Fellows will also receive specialized training on new approaches to socially engaged documentary practice led by Fred Ritchin, Dean Emeritus of the International Center of Photography (ICP) School.
Magnum Foundaton looks forward to another year of collaboration with so many talented image-makers, and the ability to continue supporting and growing our global network.
This program is made possible by the generous support of the Open Society Foundations, Genevieve McMillan-Reba Stewart Foundation, The Rosenthal Family Foundation, The Achelis and Bodman Foundation, and Select Equity Group Foundation.
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