By Adefoyeke Ajao

As part of its commitment to promoting African art, GTBank has launched the Days of Dorcas Online Photography Competition. The annual competition, which is open to female photographers of African descent, “is meant to inspire and thus increase the number of female entrepreneurs in the Art of photography across Africa”.

To qualify for the competition, prospective applicants must be female African photographers between the ages of 18 and 35 who are successfully enrolled on Art635, GTBank’s virtual art gallery. Contestants are also required to upload a portfolio of 3 properly-labelled and original photographs addressing “the elegance of the African people”, as well as a motivation statement explaining why they should be shortlisted. Submitted entries will be assessed by a panel of qualified judges who will select the top 25 entries.

The top 25 entrants will get to attend and participate in a 6-day workshop that will run from 28th May until 2nd June 2018. It will feature practical sessions with seasoned artists who will deliver comprehensive knowledge about the essentials of photography. Facilitators include singer-songwriter and photographer, TY Bello; freelance documentary photographer, Bénédicte Kurzen; photographer, Yetunde Ayeni-Babaeko; visual artist, Jumoke Sanwo, and photographer and curator, Uche Okpa-Iroha.

All participants will receive perks such as Art635-branded souvenirs, opportunities to participate in Art635’s programmes and exhibitions, as well as mentorship opportunities with the facilitators. On the final day of the workshop, the competition’s top two submissions will receive N500, 000 and N250, 000 worth of photography equipment respectively.

The Days of Dorcas Online Photography Competition is a CSR initiative of GTBank aimed at improving recognition and appreciation of female photographers and their projects. Interested photographers who are yet to be enrolled on art635 are encouraged to visit the gallery’s homepage for information about artists’ on-boarding.

The competition’s application process is free and can be accessed here. The closing date for applications is 17th of May 2018.