At the International Center of Photography, we know the value of communication in difficult times. We know the value of human life, of wellbeing, and solidarity. The current COVID-19 crisis has brought forced isolation and social distancing, striking at our core principles of humanity, outreach, and unity. We are, after all, the defining school and museum for concerned photography in all its forms, with a founder who believed in chronicling important world events.

What are the best ways for photography to be a portal to community? How are we to picture the current situation? What can be photographed? There are great challenges but photography has always thrived on challenge and proved its ability to adapt.

We have put out an open call to see what our community is creating in this moment, and have invited them to share images and stories with ICP by using #ICPConcerned on Instagram. We’ll post select images on @ICP. This will function as an imagined community of our voices—speculative, open, and urgent.

We will remain flexible, and as the situation develops, we will expect the unexpected. Single images. Photos sequences. Image-text work. Video. Audio. All are invited to share their responses. Together we can continue to build and strengthen our community.

We care about everyone’s health, so please ​do not take any unnecessary risks. Be safe and be sure to follow public health guidelines in all our countries while working and creating.  

Those who would rather submit images for consideration via email, should send their images and contact information including social media handles to socialmedia@icp.org.

ICP From Anywhere
Although our physical space is temporarily closed due to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, we remain a vibrant virtual community dedicated to offering an open forum for dialogue about the power of the image. Our website offers a range of resources and activities, including our collections, virtual exhibition tours, online courses and workshops, and a robust archive of past public programs. 

Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for updates and additional content. We are actively participating in #MuseumAtHome and #MuseumMomentOfZen, and will share curated contributions in the coming days.