The email read

“I’m excited to let you know that you have been selected to participate in the Reimagining African Narratives Photography Fellowship!” - Pragna Parsotam-Kok.

The all new Reimagining African Narratives Photography Fellowship is designed to empower photographers and visual artists seeking to deepen their narratives and explore new strategies for their lens-based practices - and we are the first ever fellows!

Month 1 - online labs, setting the pace. 

First week - Bayala Private Reserve where we met with our mentors extraordinaire @psamison , @federicoestol , @alexa.beckr & @rehabeldalil with memorable inputs from @peternduungu & @fieldnotesby_slt - for the first time & an intense week of collaborative learning ensued. 

Week two - In the City of Durban - the madness!

We presented our projects in progress, exploring their connection to nature and the deeper “why” behind them. I had the pleasure of presenting Dreamers on a Rocket—a mixed-media project that unveils the awakening of space science education in Africa and the dreamers captivated by what lies beyond the skies. In a world where storytelling shapes possibilities, this project amplifies the voices of those daring to look up and reimagine our place in the cosmos.

Art Curator in the Making!

The workshop by curator Claudi Carreras Guillen generated a space for reflection, discussion, and debate with students about the editing processes of their images, involving all the senses. For me, this was an important sensory training in my curatorial journey - seeing how his mind works and how he pieces together the photos to create a proper visual.

And so many other impactful talks by mentors, connecting with incredible creatives and more. Grateful for this fellowship, the conversations, and the incredible minds shaping new narratives for our continent!

@newfcommunity @pragnapk @noel_newf - Thank You!