architecture photography fund

Applications are now open for the second edition of the Architecture Photography Fund. It is a unique grant, mentorship, and exhibition initiative, aimed at making the architectural photography profession more diverse and accessible.

APPLY: To apply for the 2022/23 programme, click here.

Detailed information and FAQ, click here.

The Architecture Photography Fund, run by architectural photographer Luke O’Donovan in partnership with Gareth Gardner Gallery, awards one aspiring young photographer with a £750 grant to support the production of their first architectural photography project, alongside a year of mentorship sessions, and the opportunity to exhibit their project at Gareth Gardner Gallery in Summer 2023.

Applications for the 2022/23 programme are open from Thursday 21st April, until Saturday 18th June (8PM), to those interested in architecture and/or photography who are aged 18–25, who come from a background that is under-represented in the industry, and live in or close to Greater London.

The first iteration of the programme was launched in 2020, and recently concluded with awardee Kes-tchaas Eccleston’s first solo show, entitled New Found Forms, showing at Metroland Studios in Kilburn in March this year (delayed due to the pandemic).

‘The Architecture Photography Fund has allowed me to appreciate the process of project development and management within my photography. Over the past year and a half I learnt and exercised skills that have proven to strengthen my image making and consideration,’ said Kes-tchaas.

‘Overall I am thankful for the opportunity to experiment, test, and challenge myself within my practice, it is not often we get the chance as artist/photographers to practice and experiment without feeling the pressure of wasting resources, or striving for perfection. This project has given me the chance to appreciate a new way of working and understanding photography.’

The programme was established by Luke to provide a launchpad for the next generation of aspiring young architectural photographers. ‘I thoroughly enjoyed the process of working with Kes, and seeing how much he was able to develop and refine his artistic vision over the course of the mentorship,’ comments Luke. ‘Seeing Kes’s work materialise as his brilliant New Found Forms exhibition at the end of the year (and a bit!) was an emotive moment that left me feeling very optimistic about the future of architectural photography.’

Luke is keen to get started with the next mentee. ‘I’m really looking forward to seeing their work come together at Gareth Gardner Gallery next summer at the end of the programme.’

The gallery, based in Deptford, is a purpose-designed space providing production and exhibition opportunities for architecture and landscape photographers. ‘A key element of our mission is to support emerging practitioners, and participating in the Architecture Photography Fund really helps us to achieve that,” says Gareth.

Full details are available here and for any enquiries please get in touch with Luke at contact@lukeodonovan.co.uk