Fellows Program

The VII Academy Fellows Program began in 2022 and is the latest initiative to support young photographers, especially those from the majority world and under-represented communities. This new, one year program creates a mentorship and community space for early-career professionals and graduates of the VII Academy.

Amber Maitland and Yonola Viguerie of The VII Foundation and VII Academy managed the program, Ed Kashi and Nichole Sobecki of VII Photo Agency provided mentorship, and guest lecturers provided essential industry expertise.

We welcomed fourteen participants from Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas as our first community of Fellows.

Irene Barlian, Indonesia
Uma Bista, Nepal
Jean Bizimana, Rwanda
Charlie Cordero, Colombia
Gautam Doshi, India
Sara Escobar, Mexico
Jordan Gale, USA
Ksenia Ivanova, Russia
Billy H.C. Kwok, Hong Kong
Tako Robakidze, Georgia
Sutapa Roy, India
Byron Smith, Greece / USA
Irina Unruh, Germany / Kyrgyzstan