VISUAL THINKING & MAKING 2023

Photo: Prasiit Sthapit

Building on 15 years of engagement with photography education, photo.circle is pleased to announce this carefully designed 5-month program for photographers who are seeking to strengthen their photography practice and deepen their critical thinking around and through it.

This 5-month program offers participants a comprehensive curriculum that aims to prepare photographers to be independent visual practitioners with knowledge of the medium’s history, narratives, and aesthetics. In addition to practical hands-on exercises where participants will be engaging in the field to make new work, the program will also offer learnings that will strengthen their reading, research, writing, and critical thinking skills. The program will also focus on editing skills, and introduce participants to a diverse range of modes of dissemination, in order to engage diverse audiences with their work and ideas.

The program aims to bring in a diverse pool of experienced local as well as international mentors to lead various parts of the curriculum. Classes will be conducted in a mix of English and Nepali. Total intake will be a maximum of 12 students who will be required to commit full time in person.

Program schedule:

Month 1 (NOV 1 – 27):
Research
Critical history of photography
Visual Narrative
Visual Aesthetics

Month 2 (28 NOV – 27 DEC):
Project field work I

Month 3 (28 DEC 2022 – 24 JAN 2023):
Writing Workshop – I
Critical thinking and reading on photography
Craft of writing proposals, artist statements
Editing Workshop

Month 4 (25 JAN – 28 FEB):
Project field work II

Month 5 (1 – 29 MARCH):
PhotoBook 101
Exhibition Design
Online Portfolio
Marketing and funding
Final showcase

SCHEDULE/IMPORTANT DATES
30 Sep: Application deadline
12 Oct: Announcement of the selected participants
1 Nov 2022: Beginning of the Program
29 March 2023: End of the Program

PROGRAM DETAILS:

– There are a maximum of 12 seats for the program this year
– Application is open to all nationalities across South Asia. However, the priority will be given to Nepali applicants (10 Nepalis + 2 Internationals).
– The program is designed for young practitioners with a minimum 3-5 years of experience.
– Tuition fee: NPR 70,000 (to be paid in 2 installments – 75% + 25%) for Nepali participants; USD 1000 for non-Nepali participants.
– International students are responsible for their own local expenses including travel and accommodation. photo.circle can help to find local accommodation.
– One deserving Nepali participant will be awarded a full tuition fee waiver and a second Nepali participant will receive a 50% tuition fee waiver.
– The majority of classes will happen in person.

TEACHING TEAM:
Aayushma Regmi
Bunu Dhungana
Diwas Raja KC
Kishor Sharma
NayanTara Gurung Kakshapati
Prasiit Sthapit
Rohan Thapa
Sagar Chhetri
Shikhar Bhattarai
Tanvi Mishra
Uma Bista
Valentina Abenavoli

How to apply?

Please submit the following to learning@photocircle.com.np by 30 Sept 2022:
– A letter of motivation that tells us about yourself and why you wish to participate in this program. (300 – 500 words)
– An updated CV
– A portfolio of 15-20 images that demonstrates your storytelling abilities (single images will not be accepted). Files should be 1000px on the longest side, 72 dpi, named as LASTNAME_01.jpg.

Application Deadline: 30 Sept 2022

For questions/concerns/confusions regarding the program and its application procedures, please do not hesitate to contact:
Sagar Chhetri – Program Coordinator
sagar@photocircle.com.np / learning@photocircle.com.np
+9779808380219 (WhatsApp)