The New Orleans Photo Alliance (NOPA) will begin accepting applications January 1, 2011 for the second annual grant of the Michael P. Smith Fund for Documentary Photography (MPS Fund). Through the MPS Fund, established in honor of legendary New Orleans photographer Michael P. Smith, NOPA awards one $5,000 grant annually to a Gulf Coast photographer whose work combines artistic excellence and a sustained commitment to a long-term cultural documentary project. Both emerging and established photographers residing in the Gulf Coast states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida are eligible to apply. The subject matter for the proposed project, however, is not limited to the Gulf Coast region. Applications will be accepted from January 1, 2011 to February 28, 2011. The jurors for the 2011 MPS Fund grant include Tom Rankin, the Director of the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University; Stella Kramer, independent editor, editor of Fraction J; Gina Martin, Photographer Representative, National Geographic Image Collection; and Kevin Miller, Director of the Southeast Museum of Photography. More information and submission guidelines may be found at http://www.neworleansphotoalliance.org/grants/MPS_Fund/index.php
