Our Approach to Programming:
Breaking down barriers to entry in photography and film.
Our programming empowers young artists through hands-on lens-based storytelling, professional mentorship, and career development. The Afterschool Program offers real-world projects that high school students and university mentors work on together, while the LensBright Academy and Mentorship Network connects them with industry professionals via workshops and the LensBright Community Network. Career Tools and Opportunities offer tailored resources to help students take actionable steps in their creative and professional journeys.
LensBright Academy & Community Network
Developing tools and networks to help students suceed in creative industries.
Connecting students with a network of professionals across industry, community, and educational settings through guest speaker series, workshops, and the LensBright Community Network.
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We provide tailored career-development tools and opportunities through our uniquely designed Academy Dashboard to support young artists in taking tangible next steps in their lens-based practice.
Impact
Program Development Plan
Brightening the path for the next generation of lens-based artists.
Through strengthened mentorship, broadened after-school programs, hands-on vocational opportunities, and a refined, resource-rich academy, we’re building a community where artistic potential can reach full brilliance.
Expand Afterschool Program
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Expand our after-school program, piloted through the University of Pennsylvania and structured around peer-to-peer mentorship and real-world, project-based learning, to additional universities across Philadelphia, in collaboration with our LensBright university student mentors from Temple, Drexel, Penn, and others.
Strengthen Mentorship Network
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Strengthen our mentorship network, including industry professionals, educators, and college and university students, to broaden the support and opportunities available to LensBright students through ongoing development of the Community Network page, as well as expanded guest speaker engagements and mentorship sessions with industry professionals in our after-school programs.
Develop Vocational Opportunities
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Offer vocational opportunities, through professional projects in the after-school program as well as scholarships, internships, and shadowing experiences, to help students develop technical skills, broaden their industry knowledge and exposure, and grow as lens-based artists.
Refine Academy Resources
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Continue refining the LensBright Academy to deepen the centralization of lens-based arts educational resources and opportunities, including digital lessons, workshops, resources, events, and vocational experiences, resulting in a comprehensive platform that provides students with the most current and relevant opportunities.
Broaden Community Benefits
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As LensBright grows, we aim to develop meaningful partnerships with local community members, including small businesses and organizations, alongside our national and international collaborators, ensuring that our expansion brings shared benefits to West Philadelphia and beyond.