The BBC and Getty Images are calling on photographers across the UK to diversify stock images in the BBC Kids Collection to showcase the lives of children and families that are underrepresented in the media.
A seed fund sponsored by BBC Children’s of £10,000 is now open to applications from amateur and professional photographers. Grants of between £250 and £1,000 will be given to successful applicants who are aiming to diversify media for UK children and families.
Creating inclusive media for young children changes how they view the world, says Miranda Wayland, BBC’s Head of Creative Diversity. She says: “We know the crucial role the media plays in shaping children’s view of themselves and the world around them, so it is vital that we get it right.
“This is a fantastic initiative from BBC Children’s, who are already trailblazing diversity and inclusion within the industry. This will go even further in leading the way to develop new creative talent and build a living library of images for use by all. The BBC Kids Collection is an important game changer and will help ensure we authentically represent all of modern Britain.”
In addition to the funding, successful applicants will have their work represented within the Getty Images library, receiving royalties every time their images are licensed, and guidance from Getty Images’ industry-leading creative team.
Hosted on gettyimages.com, the BBC Kids Collection will be available for licensing by all media and businesses, for uses which include news reporting, marketing communications and advertising campaigns. The library will be live, meaning photographers and videographers who contribute can continue to add images and videos which match the library criteria.
The initiative allows businesses to represent their entire workforce in their campaigns and media by showcasing the diverse communities they serve.
Getty Images are committed to diversity and inclusion. This initiative is just the beginning, says Dr Rebecca Swift, Global Head of Creative Insight at Getty Images: “We are a passionate advocate for the realistic visual representation of everyone so are proud to work alongside the BBC to focus on the accurate and inclusive representation of children and families in the UK.
“To ensure the library encompasses a broad range of life experiences captured as true-to-life as possible, we are looking for photographers who live within the communities they want to photograph.”
To be eligible, photographers must submit their proposal which meets the briefs to diversify media. The briefs ask for images of children from ages 0-16, from across the UK’s nations and regions, BAME families, children with disabilities and using a variety of technology.
Shoots must be model released (legal approval from children’s guardians and parents for the images to be captured and hosted on gettyimages.com) and compliant with government guidelines around social distancing.
The BBC and Getty Images will review applications and the selection process close on 31st December 2020.
