In recognition of the image’s power to document, educate, and advocate, the Arab Documentary Photography Program (ADPP) will explore ways by which documentary photography can reach out to wider audiences and engage with them in an impactful way. Photographers may propose to work in a range of non-fiction narrative styles, from classic documentary photography to more experimental visual storytelling, as well as propose to include audio and video elements.

The Arab Documentary Photography Program provides up to 8 photographers with a $7.000 Award to work on their projects in their country of residence over a period of 10 months. The grant can be used to begin a new project or to complete work on an existing project.

In addition, ADPP Fellows will benefit from a tailored programme provided by distinguished program mentors and will be required to attend three specialized workshops (two in-person and one virtual) to help them develop and produce their projects and consider avenues for distribution. Photographers can apply to ADPP in either English or Arabic. To facilitate exchanges, access to translations will be provided throughout the program.

The $7.000 production Award is to be used to cover the artist fees, any needed production equipment cost, any research costs, travel, and other expenses related to the production.

Additionally, the grant covers per diem (when on location) associated with the attendance of the three workshops. Note: travel and accommodation costs related to the workshops will be covered directly by ADPP. Grant funds will be used solely for the undertaking of the described photography project and not for any other purpose.

AFAC will not provide support retroactively to projects that have already been completed.

For projects that have already started, AFAC will cover the expenses starting from the signature of the contract, if the project is selected.

The project’s time frame should not exceed 10 months. A maximum of 9 months will be used for mentorship and/or consultancy, and 1 additional month will be dedicated for the final implementation and production phase.

Fellows retain copyright over their work, but grant the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture, the Prince Claus Fund, and the Magnum Foundation a non-exclusive, royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, and worldwide license to the images created under the grant to be used in order to help attain the objectives of the partners as part of their communication, PR and fundraising efforts. The partners are allowed to make derivative works from copyright materials in any and all forms. The termination of the fellowship program will not affect or end the license granted.

Application

You can apply by submitting your application on the Arab Fund for Art and Culture's website. The application form includes a set of questions and requires supplementary materials.