Materials Matter 2023

In partnership with Magnum Photos, this open call looks for photographers to document the way we transform textiles, with two commissions amounting to £13,000.

Overview

For the second year running, the global non-profit Textile Exchange, in partnership with Magnum Photos, is looking for emerging photographers interested in telling the visual stories that take place when fibers and materials are cultivated, created, spun, woven, sewn, loved and cherished – gaining cultural and emotional significance through the journey.

Practical Info

In partnership with Magnum Photos, Material Matters looks for photographers interested in exploring the way we transform textiles, and how textiles in turn transform us. By placing these themes at the center of the story, the initiative hopes to reframe the way we relate to their social, cultural, and environmental implications. It is about altering our attitude towards these everyday items, all while providing a springboard for emerging talent to embrace a more human approach to visual storytelling.

What the Winners Receive 

The overall winner will receive a commission to the value of £8,000 for Textile Exchange to document the stories behind some of its members as well as a mentorship with a leading talent from Magnum's network of photographers.

One runner-up will receive a commission to the value of £5,000 for Textile Exchange and coaching sessions with a Magnum Photographer and the Magnum Photos Education team.   

The winning entries will also be showcased in an original exhibition at the Textile Exchange Conference. Held annually, the event brings over 800 brands, retailers, and suppliers together to ensure that fashion, textiles, and apparel are produced in a way that supports our planet, its ecosystems, its landscapes, and its communities.