Support Larry Towell's fund-raising to complete 'Crisis in Afghanistan'

[alun severn]

I think this may already have been mentioned on the forum -- if so, this is by way of a bump. Magnum photog Larry Towell is trying to raise USD12,000 to make a final photography trip to Afghanistan and complete a new book, Crisis in Afghanistan.

He's still over USD5,000 short.

It would be great to see a concerted effort from RFF members helping to make it possible for Towell tio return and complete what by any standards will be an important, alternative view of Afghanistan.

The link to his Kickstarter campaign is here: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects...s/46189?ref=email&show_token=722b542f79f3a87e

 

[user237428934]

From time to time I sponsor "medicines without frontiers". I can see a direct link between my money and the help they provide.
Perhaps I'm just ignorant, but I don't understand why a private person is willing to sponsor the trip of a photographer who can then make money out of the the photos. Is this some form of private culture-sponsoring?

 

[alun severn]

....Is this some form of private culture-sponsoring?

Tom, Yes, that's exactly what it is -- a contribution, at any rate, and as revealing of the times as it is of the current realities of serious documentary photography -- even by a photographer of Towell's stature.

 

[emraphoto]

it isn't necessarily a bad omen. things are changing and the funding models along with it.

remember that Larry is a photographer of whole different breed. he has little interest in news or "photojournalism" per say. his interests are far more entrenched in the art world than anything else.

the idea that "this is the end" has gathered such unfound momentum with very little understanding of what is actually going on.

 

[martin s]

remember that Larry is a photographer of whole different breed. he has little interest in news or "photojournalism" per say. his interests are far more entrenched in the art world than anything else.

I agree, I would be much more inclined to support an actual photojournalist. I do really like Larry Towell though.

martin

 

[Jamie123]

As Alun already said, it is cultural sponsoring. That's actually the whole point of Kickstarter. And you also get something depending on the size of your contribution like e.g. a signed print or book.

Remember, it's sponsoring, not charity. Charity is something you give out of compassion (or guilt, depending on how cynically you want to look at it). That's not the same thing as sponsoring. You don't sponsor someone or something because you feel sorry for them, you do it because you want to support their efforts and you think they're worth it.

 

[alun severn]

As Alun already said, it is cultural sponsoring. [...] Remember, it's sponsoring, not charity. Charity is something you give out of compassion (or guilt, depending on how cynically you want to look at it). That's not the same thing as sponsoring. You don't sponsor someone or something because you feel sorry for them, you do it because you want to support their efforts and you think they're worth it.

Jamie -- Terrifically well said.

 

[sig]

Perspective: the price of a M9 with a bit of service

 

[palec]

Hi Alun,
great to see you here on RFF. I somehow overlooked your presence (but I'm not very avid forum contributor). I just popped in to let know the fund has reached it's target.