Head On calls for NSW projects

The deadline is looming for Head On’s newest upcoming project, 2020 Vision, which invites NSW-based photographers to submit work exploring contemporary NSW life. Submissions close this Sunday, February 14.

Photographers can submit one to 10 images, with 20 successful applicants having one image chosen to appear in a forthcoming 2020 Vision group exhibition. The concept is to somehow explore how the events of last year – from bushfires to the pandemic – affected life in NSW. Participants will also be invited to curate two exhibitions – one in region NSW and another at the Head On Festival in November – with all expenses covered.

‘Share photos of how you were affected by our ‘Black Summer’, the subsequent flooding or the pandemic, or show us images that represent how you see the future going forward,’ the Head On website says. ‘Work can be in any genre of photography from conceptual fine-art to photojournalism and should reflect recovery, resilience and rebuilding. The Head On curatorial team will select work for exhibition by twenty photographers/photo-artists to represent as many NSW regions as possible to gain a diverse view of our state’s communities.’

As per usual, the Head On selection process is anonymous meaning the panel doesn’t know the artists’ name, so the work stands on its merit alone. It costs $5 per submission. This initiative is supported by Create NSW. Click here to check it out.

First Sight

Head On is also organising First Sight, a mentorship program to develop and promote the careers of emerging First Nations photographers.

‘This collaborative, workshop-based mentorship will not only provide valuable career skills, but also networking and exhibition opportunities. It will culminate in a final exhibition as part of Head On Photo Festival 2021, with six participants selected to exhibit.
The program will include a fantastic series of online sessions with industry-leading speakers and mentors to help take the participants’ photography to the next level. It will develop skills associated with curation, exhibition design, printing and framing, writing and PR, working with galleries and much more.’

Head On has brought in Michael Jalaru Torres, a Melbourne-based fine art photographer from Broome, Western Australia. He’s shown two solo exhibitions at Head On – both highlights from Inside Imaging‘s 2018 and 2019 coverage.