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Picturing Footscray is a free open-entry photography prize that has been celebrating Melbourne’s unique inner-west suburb of Footscray since 2016, documenting a period of significant change. In 2020, this is particularly poignant.

Against the backdrop of home-isolation and a global pandemic, life as we know it has changed and we’re adapting with it. Welcome to Picturing Footscray, virtually!

The Prize invites photographers of all capabilities to capture the essence of this great location during this tumultuous time, with the added challenge of respecting physical distancing and self-isolation requirements.

This year, we’re encouraging entrants to document Footscray from isolation. All of the entries will be exhibited virtually, and become a visual archive of self-isolation in and around Footscray during COVID-19.

Here are some of our suggestions on ways you can navigate a photography prize under these unique circumstances:

• Look back into your photography archive. Have you taken a photograph in Footscray in the past 18 months that stimulates curiosity and conversation?
• If you’re a Footscray local, challenge yourself to interpret self-isolation creatively.
• Not a Footscray local? You might have something at home that reminds you of Footscray. We’re interested to see ways that objects and people, and the stories behind them, take on a new life when interpreted with a different lens.

Please remain vigilant of the physical distancing and self-isolation requirements that are in place when participating in Picturing Footscray 2020. The health and safety of you and others are paramount. Visit our webpage about COVID-19 for more information and other resources.