The Economist’s 1843 magazine launches mentorship programme for black photographers

(LONDON)--4th May 2021--1843 magazine, sister publication to The Economist, announced today that it is launching a mentorship programme for black photographers to help create a pipeline for black talent. 1843 publishes long reads and narrative journalism, and emphasises visual storytelling in all its pieces.

Spearheaded by 1843’s picture and luxury editor, Melanie Grant, the first year of the programme will run from Summer 2021. Mentees will be given one-on-one mentoring by the art and design team at 1843 and The Economist over the course of a year. This will include reviewing their portfolio, helping develop ideas and visual narratives, pitching and completing assignments, editing and post-production. The successful candidate will be asked to do at least one published assignment for 1843.

The programme is open to professional photographers, with some experience in reportage and lifestyle photography, who are ambitious to create beautiful and important work. The candidate will be based in the UK. In due course the programme will be rolled out to a second mentee, based in the US.

Ms Grant commented on the new initiative: “During times of change in culture and politics, we need to keep the momentum going by increasing the range of voices in the media industry. Mentoring and accessibility to opportunity are vital. My hope is that this programme will be one opportunity of many for up and coming talented photographers.”

The programme is supported by The Association of Photographers, Photo London, Magnum and Panos Pictures. In addition to these institutions, a group of working photographers will also support and guide the mentee, and share their experiences.

To apply for 1843 magazine’s mentorship programme for black photographers, please visit The Association of Photographer's website. The deadline to submit applications is midnight on Monday, June 7th 2021.

To find out more please contact: HollyDonahue@economist.com or +44 (0)7715621079

About 1843
1843 magazine is The Economist’s award-winning sister publication, named for the year The Economist was founded. 1843 features long-form, narrative journalism covering the enduring issues of our age from the ground up, and emphasises the importance of visual storytelling as much as the written word. It also reports on style, design, food and culture. For more information go to economist.com/1843