Live Nation Urban has announced its collaborative, renewed partnership with Polly Irungu’s Black Women Photographers Organization. For the third straight year, the leading source of live entertainment will invite a select cohort of black women photographers and videographers to shoot its much-anticipated slate of upcoming summer and fall festivals. The initiative will offer a paid opportunity for black creatives to chronicle the most memorable moments at marquee festivals throughout 2024, documenting the culture in motion on the grounds and as it unfolds onstage.
The Live Nation Urban festivals include:
- May 10-12: Mary J. Blige’s Strength of a Woman Festival – New York, NY
- May 25-26: Twogether Land on May 25-26 – Dallas, TX
- May 25-26: Kirk Franklin’s Exodus Music Festival – Dallas, TX
- June 1-2: Roots Picnic – Philadelphia, PA
- June 27-29: BETX – Los Angeles, CA
- July 27-28: Broccoli City – Washington, D.C.
- Fall 2024: One Music Fest in Atlanta, GA
- Fall 2024: Lil Weezyana Fest in New Orleans, LA
“In our third year of partnership, we’re grateful for Live Nation Urban’s continued support and leadership in providing more paid opportunities for Black women and non-binary creatives to advance their work and careers in music photography and videography,” said Irungu, executive director of Black Women Photographers. “The next time you’re at a concert or festival, look at the photo pit and count how many Black Women Photographers you see documenting the event. That’s why this partnership is so impactful. Together, we’re changing the game and landscape of music behind the scenes.”
Live Nation Urban marketing manager Jasmine Kelly adds “Live Nation Urban is dedicated to fostering an environment of inclusivity for people of color and women. Through our continued collaboration with BWP, we not only showcase the talent on stage but also honor the invaluable contributions of those behind the scenes, behind the lens, and in the pit. Capturing the authentic essence of black culture from within the community itself is paramount to the narrative we strive to uphold. As a black woman immersed in the live space, I intimately understand the challenges of finding representation over the decade. Being part of this mission carries significant personal meaning for me.”
In 2022, Live Nation Urban began collaborating with Black Women Photographers by successfully launching its first contest to shoot one festival. Bolstering visibility, the visual artists saw their work shared on various prominent social media channels. The expansion of this alliance reaffirms Live Nation Urban’s commitment to uplifting black women creatives and emphasizing representation as a core value.
Black Women Photographers connects women and non-binary creatives of African descent to unique opportunities, grants, educational programming, and community. BWP has previously partnered with Nikon and Instagram.
Photographers may apply and submit materials HERE. Applications will be accepted through May 31st.
