THE HUMPHREY SPENDER JOHN MARRIOT SCHOLARSHIP FOR SOCIAL DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHY 2009

The Spender archive of photographs from Mass Observation’s Work Town project is regarded internationally as one of the most important archives in the development of British documentary photography. As part of the University of Bolton and Bolton Council’s initiative to develop a research centre based around the Spender archive, the University is proud to announce the launch of the Humphrey Spender John Marriot scholarship for social documentary photography.

The aim of the scholarship is to enable a recent postgraduate photography student to produce a sustained body of social documentary photography that re-interprets and contextualises some of the images/issues held within the Work Town archive.

Submissions for the scholarship 2009/10 are invited on the theme of ’”holidays”’
(Holidays in this context are defined as official or unofficial observances of religious, national, or cultural significance, often accompanied by celebrations or festivities and or a general leave of absence from a regular occupation for rest or recreation - but only within the area of Bolton).

Applicants must research the relevant Spender images held in the archive at Bolton Museum and Art Gallery. In addition they must submit a written proposal (one side of A4) for the re-interpretation and contextualisation of the theme holiday, along with a brief CV and a portfolio of no more than 8 images.

Criteria
• Applicant must have studied at postgraduate level;
• Must reside in the North West;
• All the work produced MUST be within Bolton Council geographic boundaries that Humphrey Spender worked in.

Outcomes
• An exhibition of the work;
• Successful applicant to deliver a paper at the Spender conference;
• Successful applicant to deliver a number of workshop or talks to current postgraduate and undergraduate students, Rotary Club Bolton Le Moors, Marriot Trust. All workshops will acknowledge the Marriot as the donor trust;
• Keep a detailed journal of the project, again the photographer will acknowledge the donor trust.
• Contacts of all the work and a selection of exhibition prints to be deposited in the Museum archive;
• The photographer will retain the copyright, however the University of Bolton and Bolton Council will reserve the right of free access to publish any of the images in relation to the scholarship, the archive, the research centre and studying at the University.

Fee
Photographers fee £3,000 plus £1,000 for materials

Deadline for Applications
Applications must be received by Tuesday 1st September 2009

Please forward all applications to:
Ian Beesley
Programme leader MA Photography
University of Bolton
School of Arts, Media and Education
Eagle Tower
Deane Campus
Bolton BL3 4AB