"I am gathering evidence for history." -Gilles Peress

A Canadian tax-exempt charity, On The Ground is dedicated to supporting documentary photography as a tool for dialogue and social change. Why does documentary photography need the support of a charity? Our is an age of distraction in which we are bombarded with de-contextualized images and contradictory information. Documentary photography can provide an antidote to this but the shifting media environment has led to tighter budgets and shorter assignments which have resulted in superficial coverage that no longer tells the great stories of our age.

The best documentary photography is time intensive and requires a thoughtful commitment to telling stories with integrity, compassion, and respect for truth, accuracy, and fairness. On The Ground works to encourage the creation and dissemination of in-depth documentary photography that has the power to touch hearts and minds. To this end, On The Ground supports the work of documentary photographers through grants, bursaries and awards for projects of significant informational and educational value. The organization works to increase public understanding and appreciation of important social, cultural and environmental issues through exhibitions, presentations, workshops and seminars.

How to Submit

On The Ground is mandated to support projects that meet the objectives of public education and awareness. The organization helps facilitate independent projects undertaken by photographers who have made a commitment to the highest ethical, creative and professional standards in the following areas of social concern: public health, the environment, social justice and human rights, forced migration and refugees, and economic and social development.

Photographers are invited to submit project proposals for consideration but are encouraged to make contact with On The Ground to discuss projects before submitting a proposal. If the project is part of a larger project, or involves collaboration with other photographers, writers, etc., then appropriate information should be provided. Proposals may be submitted at any time and On The Ground endeavors to respond within six weeks.

Proposals should be no more than 750 words and include the following:

1. A short summary of the project (50 words or less);
2. A personal statement about the photographer's motivations and expectations;
3. A statement about the educational and social value of the project;
4. A budget (including details of other sources of funding);
5. A project timeline;
6. Details about proposed publication methods, exhibitions, websites, talks or seminars;

Also send:

1. A PDF or links to recent examples of the photographer's work;
2. A current CV

Founders

Robert Semeniuk is a documentary photographer and writer dedicated to human and environmental rights. Much of his 30-year career has focused on war-affected children, the global landmine crisis, aboriginal cultural integrity, and globalization. His work appears in major international publications, and he regularly exhibits in galleries.

Dr Peter Williamson is a freelance journalist, photographer and geographer. He has lived and worked in South Africa, Australia, Thailand and now lives in British Columbia. His primary interests are the environment, human rights, migration and refugees.

Gary Fiegehen is one British Columbia's foremost photographers and has worked throughout BC well as in China and the Soviet Union. His work is featured in museums and, for 25 years, has appeared regularly in magazines and books, including Stikine: The Great River and the Nisga'a: People of the Naas River (winner of the Roderick Haig-Brown Regional Prize).

David Campion is an award-winning photographer who works with his partner, writer Sandra Shields. Their first book Where Fire Speaks (BC Book Prize for Non-Fiction) documents the impact of the global economy on a remote African tribe. Campion's work also appears in international publications and gallery exhibitions.