MPB launches 70:15:40 Project UK

In the photography and video industry today, while women comprise 70% of photography graduates, only 15% of professionals are women—who often earn an average of 40% less than men.

The 70:15:40 Project UK aims to help redress the barriers and challenges that face women building careers as photographers, videographers and filmmakers. In 2023, the Project is looking for four UK women, trans and non-binary photographers or videographers—including two professionals and two enthusiasts.

To help further their career, each person will receive support worth £40,000, including access to camera equipment, studio space, training and funds, as well as the opportunity to create and exhibit a full photo series or short film. The full support includes:

• Loan of cameras, lenses and accessories from MPB (£25,000)

• Use of studio space from Peerspace (£2,500)

• Membership and workshops from the Royal Photographic Society (£1,500)

• Exhibition in London and one-to-one mentorship from Tracy Marshall-Grant, at the Centre for British Photography (£7,000)

• Extensive press coverage of their work, including publication in the Royal Photographic Society Journal

• Funds to spend as they see fit (£5,500).

Led by MPB, the 70:15:40 Project UK is backed by organisations including Peerspace, The Royal Photographic Society, The Centre for British Photography, SheClicks and UK Black Female Photographers (UKBFTOG).

Commenting on the 70:15:40 Project UK, Sophie Collins, Chief Marketing Officer, MPB, said: “Statistics showing that women make up a significant majority of photography graduates but only a small percentage of photography professionals, whilst being paid less than their male counterparts, demonstrate the persistent barriers faced by women in our industry.

That’s why MPB and our partner organisations have come together to launch the  70:15:40 Project UK, to help address this challenge and take action to support gender equality in photography and videography. 

By helping talented visual storytellers  and giving them the kit, mentoring and resources they need, the 70:15:40 Project UK will create a pipeline of talent, showcase outstanding women photographers and drive positive change.”

The competition’s eleven-woman judging panel—consisting of photographers and other leading figures from the photography and video industry—includes

• Artist and Photographer Sian Bonnell, 

• MPB Chief Marketing Officer Sophie Collins,

• Multidisciplinary Visual Artist LA Creativity,

• Freelance Portrait Photographer Jillian Edelstein,

• UCA Professor of Photography Anna Fox,

• UCA Professor of Photography Karen Knorr,

• Centre for British Photography Deputy Director Tracy Marshall-Grant,

• Portrait Photographer Carolyn Mendelsohn,

• Uni. of Northampton Senior Lecturer in Photography Haley Morris-Caferio,

• SheClicks Founder, Photographer & Journalist Angela Nicholson,

• UKBFTOG Founder & Photographer Jemella Ukaegbu.

There are no minimum technical prerequisites for entry. The Project is open to all women, trans and non-binary people who reside in the United Kingdom. 

When considering applications, the 70:15:40 Project UK will adopt an intersectional lens. When someone holds multiple markers of oppression—including race, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, nationality or class—this creates a distinct experience of discrimination and disadvantage. Therefore, any support for women must be fully inclusive. The 70:15:40 Project UK particularly encourages applications from women, trans and non-binary people from underrepresented groups.

To apply, entrants should outline what they would create for their series or short film and show a selection of past imagery. The Project is open to all women, trans and non-binary people who reside in the United Kingdom. The submission deadline is on Friday, 28th April 2023, and entrants can expect a response by late June 2023. 

Details of the application process are available at mpb.com/701540.