The recipient of this grant will be selected from applicants to our student grants as well as professional applicants who have five years of experience or less. The VII Foundation believes truthful visual journalism is an essential tool for citizens and decision-makers as they confront humanity’s challenges and seek sustainable solutions. In response, the foundation empowers new voices, fosters critical debates and creates stories that advocate change.

GRANT DETAILS: Tuition to Level 3 of The Program for Narrative and Documentary Photography in Arles, France, plus accommodation and a per diem.

CURRICULUM: Level 3 of the Program for Narrative and Documentary Photography offers an immersive, interdisciplinary experience at the Alexandra Boulat Campus in Arles, France. This intensive month-long program includes training in observation, interview techniques, public speaking, writing, constructing complex narratives, editing, improving technical skills and engaging in discourse and debate.

Level 3 classes are conducted in English and focus on teaching through practice and mentoring; they also include more theoretical concepts, integrating multi-disciplinary academic reading and research, writing, journaling, art disciplines, and workshops. After completing the course, students are skilled professionals ready to report on vital issues in their communities and understand their role in the context of contemporary journalism.

Tutors for past editions of Level 3 include Monica Allende, Philip Blenkinsop, Dr. David Campbell, Jacqueline Farmer, Ziyah Gafic, Gary Knight, Ilvy Njiokiktjien Fiona Turner and Yonola Viguerie.

  The VII Foundation’s educational programs are run by VII Academy, which provides tuition-free courses in visual journalism to practitioners in the Majority World and underrepresented communities in G20 countries.

JURORS: The VII Foundation

The open judging weekend, April 4–5 in Syracuse, New York, is being sponsored by SONY.

All images submitted also will be considered for inclusion in national and international Alexia exhibitions and publications curated throughout the year and beyond. Photographers with selected images would be contacted for approval.