The Economist’s 1843 magazine, sister publication to The Economist, has launched a mentorship programme for black photographers to help create a pipeline for black talent. 1843 magazine publishes long reads and narrative journalism, and emphasises visual storytelling in all its pieces.

Spearheaded by 1843 magazine’s picture and luxury editor, Melanie Grant, the programme will run from Summer 2021. Each year’s mentee will be given one-on-one mentoring by the art and design team at 1843 magazine and The Economist over the course of a year. This will include reviewing their portfolio, helping develop ideas and visual narratives, pitching and completing assignments, editing and post-production. The successful candidate will be asked to do at least one published assignment for 1843 magazine.

The programme is open to professional photographers, with some experience in reportage and lifestyle photography, who are ambitious to create beautiful and important work. The candidate will be based in the UK. In due course the programme will be rolled out to a second mentee, based in the US.

This programme is supported by The Association of Photographers, Photo London, Magnum and Panos. In addition to these institutions, a group of working photographers will also support and guide the mentee, and share their experiences.