Michael P. Smith Grantee and Finalist Archive

Chasing Light is an ongoing (circa 2011) collaborative photography project between twin siblings Bianca and riel Sturchio. Chasing Light embodies the belief that representation, visibility, autonomy, and truth-telling can promote personal empowerment, and open up access to spaces that foster meaningful dialogue and community.

  I was thrilled to hear my photography series, Visions of Johanne – The Aging Female Body, a 15-year exploration of a woman’s life in her 70s and 80s, was selected by Olivier C. Laurent, former Editor of LightBox, TIME’s photography website, as a winner of the New Orleans Photo Alliance’s 2017 Michael P. Smith Fund for Documentary Photography.… Read More »MPS Fund Testimonial: Amber Shields

NOPA is pleased to present a two-person exhibition showcasing work from the 2014 CJL Award and MPS Grant recipients. Brandon Thibodeaux – Maw Maw’s New Braids Brandon Thibodeaux, the Michael P. Smith Fund Grant winner, will exhibit selections from his series When Morning Comes. The long-term project focuses on rural African American communities in Northern… Read More »Keliy Anderson-Staley & Brandon Thibodeaux at NOPA Gallery

Danny and Pirogue, Barataria, LA- Cate Sampson Cate Sampson of New Orleans, LA is the recipient of the 2015 Michael P. Smith Fund for Documentary Photography (MPS Fund) Grant. The MPS Fund awards $5000 annually to a Gulf Coast photographer working on a long-term cultural documentary project. Sampson won support for her project entitled “All… Read More »Cate Sampson wins 2015 Michael P. Smith Grant

Brandon Thibodeaux – Mississippi 662 Michael P. Smith Fund Accepting Applications for $5,000 Grant  through March 30, 2015 The New Orleans Alliance (NOPA) is currently accepting applications for the Michael P. Smith Fund for Documentary Photography(MPS Fund) 2015 grant. This fund, established by NOPA to honor the legendary New Orleans photographer Michael P. Smith, awards… Read More »NOPA accepting Michael P. Smith Grant Applications through March 30

Dallas-based photographer Brandon Thibodeaux is the recipient of the NOPA-associated, 2014 Michael P. Smith Fund for Documentary Photography (MPS Fund) Grant, in support of his long-term documentary photo project, “When Morning Comes,” which focuses on rural African-American communities in North Mississippi. The MPS Fund, established by NOPA to honor the life of legendary New Orleans… Read More »Dallas-based Brandon Thibodeaux is 2014 MPS Grant recipient

The New Orleans Alliance (NOPA) has extended the deadline for applications for the Michael P. Smith Fund for Documentary Photography (MPS Fund) 2014 grant. Submissions will be accepted through April 23rd. This fund, established by NOPA to honor the legendary New Orleans photographer Michael P. Smith, awards one $5,000 grant annually to a Gulf Coast… Read More »MPS Fund Deadline Extended to April 23

The New Orleans Alliance (NOPA) is accepting applications for the Michael P. Smith Fund for Documentary Photography (MPS Fund) 2014 grant. This fund, established by NOPA to honor the legendary New Orleans photographer Michael P. Smith, awards one $5,000 grant annually to a Gulf Coast photographer whose work combines artistic excellence and a sustained commitment… Read More »Michael P. Smith Fund Deadline: April 15, 2014