The Rebecca Vassie Memorial Award is a £1,200 bursary, plus printing, exhibition and mentorship, for an emerging photographer in or from the UK to complete a narrative photography project with a strong social or political context. The award is created in memory of Rebecca Vassie, a British photographer who died suddenly last year, aged 30, while on assignment in Uganda. Rebecca trained in photography at the University for the Creative Arts. She had been based in Uganda for three years, working as a stringer for Associated Press (AP), with her pictures appearing in major newspapers worldwide. She also photographed for a number of charities and NGOs as well as pursuing her own projects, such as documenting Uganda’s transgender community and its Olympic boxing hopefuls. Rebecca’s parents Janet and Eric, sister Kelly and brother Tim said: “Beccy’s death turned our world upside down, but we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from both our friends and hers. Many people said they wanted to do something in her memory.

Applicants for the award, who must be either from or based in the UK, are asked to submit a proposal setting out a compelling vision for a photography project with a strong social or political context. Judges include Karen McQuaid, curator at the Photographers’ Gallery; Matthew Tucker, UK Picture Editor at BuzzFeed; and Bette Lynch, Director of Photography, news, Europe, Middle East and Africa at Getty Images.

For more information and how to apply click here.

Image Credit: Rebecca Vassie