Leica Camera has announced Project Z, a new venture to that intends to inspire, support and showcase young photographers in the United Kingdom.
At the center of the initiative is the company's backing of seven up-and- coming, UK-based photographers. Over the next 12 months, these lucky young shooters will be "armed with their choice of Leica camera" and travel the world taking photographs.
Their subjects will range from youth identity and subcultures to social documentary and tourism affected landscapes. After the year is up, their final images will feature in an collected exhibition at Leica Gallery London.
Image by social realism-inspired South London shooter, Joshua Osborne (Image credit: Joshua Osborne)
On top of that, each photographer will be invited to take part in an individual six-week exhibit of their work at the Leica Store City at the Royal Exchange. The first solo exhibition opens on 18 July, featuring Joshua Osborne’s ‘Mr & Mrs H’.
This project, shot on the Leica CL, focuses on the lives of a family of amateur bodybuilders. “I have been thinking about this project for a long time, so I was extremely excited when Leica approached me to work with me on Project Z," said Osborne.
"Using the CL was an amazing experience and seeing my exhibition come to life at Leica Store City is an incredible opportunity.”
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In addition to the seven photographers at the core of Project Z, the scheme will also embrace youth initiatives with photography workshops, Q&As and talks with noted Leica photographers.
The work of London documentary photographer Cian Oba-Smith will feature in Project Z (Image credit: Cian Oba-Smith)
“Leica is always associated with the greats of photography, as the brand that is used to capture iconic images," said Leica UK MD, Jason Heward. We are perhaps less known for our work nurturing new talent.
"We do not just do this through awards such as the LOBA Newcomer Award, or the Photographers Gallery New Talent, our nurturing takes place across all parts of the company. Project Z is a new UK-based initiative where we can support new talent who will be part of the tomorrow’s zeitgeist.”
James has 22 years experience as a journalist, serving as editor of Digital Camera World for 6 of them. He started working in the photography industry in 2014, product testing and shooting ad campaigns for Olympus, as well as clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal. An Olympus / OM System, Canon and Hasselblad shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and he loves instant cameras, too.
