NEW YORK CITY, USA – The Chris Hondros Fund (CHF) and Getty Images, a world leader in visual communications, today announced that they have chosen three photography organizations to receive the ninth annual Getty Images and Chris Hondros Fund Award. In the past, the Award has been given to a single photographer; in 2020 the CHF board chose to provide much-needed financial assistance to a series of organizations to support their continued efforts to nurture and strengthen emerging and active photographers within their respective communities.
The 2020 recipients include:
— Bronx Documentary Center, which uses “community-based documentary practice and education to explore vital issues, stimulate critical thought, and drive social change” with underserved Bronx communities and the cultural community at large;
— Prism Photo Workshop, which aims to “provide resources and support for young photographers of diverse backgrounds to tell the stories of underrepresented people and communities with dignity,” within the Chicago area and beyond; and
— Black Women Photographers, which aims to “disrupt the notion that it is difficult to discover and commission Black creatives,” seeking to “ensure that more Black women are empowered to make the industry as colorful as it ought to be.”
Remaining funds will be used to further support the CHF Photographers Relief Fund, which distributes emergency grants to photographers in need on an ongoing basis.
“To say that 2020 was riddled with challenges would be an understatement,” said Chris Hondros Fund Board President Christina Piaia. “But it must also be said that we’ve seen incredible strength and courage from the photographer and creative communities more broadly, who are collectively endeavoring to ensure that our shared, layered realities are seen, heard and most importantly, felt, around the globe.”
“Making sure that Chris’s influence continues to be felt today and that his legacy and work are kept alive for future generations is something that I personally hold very close and I am grateful that Getty Images values the role that photojournalists play in telling important stories no matter where they might be,” said Getty Images Vice President of News and CHF board member Pancho Bernasconi.
The CHF Award was created to honor Getty Images photojournalist and two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist Chris Hondros who was killed on April 20, 2011 while on assignment in Misrata, Libya. This award celebrates Hondros’ incredible legacy by drawing attention to the ways in which photojournalism shines a light on our shared human experiences, and the broader world around us. Established by Christina Piaia, Chris Hondros’ fiancée, and with the support of his family, the Chris Hondros Fund advances the work of photojournalists who share in, and contribute to, both Hondros’ legacy and vision.
Note that the Getty Images grants program has awarded US$1.7 million to photographers and filmmakers worldwide since its inception. Please visit Getty Images Where We Stand to learn more.
