Will Creswick, Paul Alexander Knox, Lorna MacKay and Simone Jimena Rudolphi are each undertaking their own professional development, supported by NEPN, peer conversations, external mentors, workshops and a training budget.
In late 2021, NEPN invited applications from NE-based photographers for a new SHIFTS Professional Development Programme. The programme aims to support photographers who wish to explore new areas of research and development, or new ways of making and sustaining their practice. This scheme aims not be prescriptive; but to listen to the needs of applicants and to support individuals to progress in relation to their own needs. Bursaries are be awarded without expectation of artistic output, allowing investment in photographers for their own development
Selection was undertaken by a panel made up of regionally-based photographers Joanne Coates, Ingrid Pollard and Kuba Ryniewicz with NEPN.
The programme will be evaluated by Dr Susanne Burns, who is an Independent Development Consultant with over 30 years of experience in the arts sector, specialising in research, evaluation, strategy, and organisational development.
Supported using public funding by Arts Council England and University of Sunderland.