Shutterstock launches fund for underrepresented artists

Shutterstock, a leading global creative platform, has created the Create Fund to support underrepresented artists. 

The new $300,000 artist grant programme will provide financial and professional support for artists around the globe focusing on diversity, inclusion, social justice and environmental awareness through the content they create.

Shutterstock’s Create Fund aims to fill content gaps and further diversity and inclusion within its content library and contributor network. It is offering financial and professional support to underrepresented artists who are advancing the global mission of diversity and inclusion through their visual content. To increase the reach of the grant programme, the Create Fund will be partnering with a variety of leading organisations to support giving back and engaging with a variety of artist communities, confirmed Shutterstock.

CREATE FUND GRANTS

The grants programme will provide funding for:

• Create for Climate: Drawing awareness to global climate change by supporting artists who use their talents to depict climate change, environmental protests, and our changing landscape. 
• Support Invisible Illness: Promoting artists who create visual stories and representations that break the stigma around mental health, portraying a more inclusive view of mental illness around the world. 
• The Senior Creatives: Supporting our community of senior creatives – those over 50 who have had years to hone their craft and want to share their experiences and perspectives through creative means.

“Representation, whether behind or in front of the lens, is integral in creating authentic content that accurately reflects the world around us,” said Kristen Sanger, Senior Director of Contributor Marketing at Shutterstock. “With The Create Fund, we’re hoping to use this global platform to showcase the stunning, interesting and culturally relevant imagery that reflects the beautifully diverse world we live in; as well as support and enable more artists to create and share their unique and artistic perspectives.”

Artists including photographers, videographers, illustrators, composers or writers are open and encouraged to apply. To be considered for the funds, applicants must submit a project proposal with examples of their work, and a short biography by 8th February 2021.  All artists selected for a grant will be provided an outlet to license their work, either via Shutterstock, Shutterstock Editorial, Premium Beat or OFFSET.

For more information about The Create Fund, click here.