Monday 31 December 2012

2012: The year that was.

It's 31 December and an apt time to mentally wander back though 2012. Reflecting on our programme and its impact, it seems we've finished the year as we begun - working intensively and passionately and with no shortage of inspiring projects on the horizon. To everyone who has contributed to and supported this little adventure in contemporary photography, our sincerest thanks.

What follows (in no specific order) is our list of the best of the past 12 months here at 1000 Words:

-the appointment of an Associate Editor, Brad Feuerhelm, and Editor at Large, Louise Clements, whose roving eyes and busy travel itineries have allowed us to see and report on even more fine photography

-two issues of 1000 Words Photography Magazine, based around themes of Uncertainty and Murmur, released in March and September respectively

-staging an 'in conversation' at Daniel Blau Gallery, London, between Tate's Curator of Photography, Simon Baker, and Chris Shaw to a sell out audience

-1000 Words Deputy Editor, Michael Grieve, conducting portfolio reviews across four days in March at Fotofest in Houston, Texas, USA, and Brad Feuerhelm attending Vienna International Portfolio Review, Austria, as a reviewer during late November

-launching the inaugural 1000 Words Award; a professional development opportunity that allows four photographic artists to realise a new body of work whilst receiving a £1,000 cash prize, 18 months mentorship, three workshops with Jeffrey Silverthorne, Antoine d'Agata and Patrick Zachmann in London, Marseille and Seville respectively, a travelling exhibition through the UK, France, Spain and Italy, a catalogue and DVD plus a feature in 1000 Words Photography Magazine

-one 1000 Words Workshop with Roger Ballen that took place in the wonderfully evocative old town of Fez, Morocco

-attracting positive press coverage in The Telegraph, The Guardian and Source Magazine

-securing funding from EACEA - The Education, Audiovisual and Culture Exchange Agency

-Tim Clark, Editor in Chief at 1000 Words Photography Magazine serving on a panel of judges for the Google Photography Prize in association with the Saatchi Gallery, London.

So roll on 2013! Here's to yet more questioning, listening, collaborating, adding value, aiming higher, innovating and doing more with less.