In our effort to bring focus to the storytelling aspect of the USk Mission we are calling on sketchers around the world to send us reportage proposals to usktalks@urbansketchers.org. A successful proposal will highlight an aspect of local culture, event, moment in time, industry/trade, societal change, etc in drawings and writing. Winning proposals will be developed into an episode for Season 2 in collaboration with the USk Talks team.
Last day to submit a proposal is November 15, 2020.
What is reportage?
Reportage is a visual account of a cultural phenomenon, event, current history, etc., based in drawings completed from direct observation while on location. The drawings have to tell a story by capturing an event and showing context, characters, and setting. Sketches are accompanied by short pieces of narrative writing presented directly on the drawings or added separately. The narrative is informed by firsthand account, research, and interviews. A successful visual reportage gives viewers a feeling for the setting and the people.
Who can participate?
Sketchers of all abilities and styles are encouraged to apply. You can submit a proposal as an individual sketcher or form a creative collaboration with someone else or engage your whole chapter in this project.
What should I include in my proposal?
Please include at least three sketches in your proposal that are directly related to your project or investigation. Include a short narrative along with your sketches that answer these questions:
- what is the main idea/subject of your proposal?
- how does it fit into the larger cultural context?
- what other sketches you are hoping to complete in the course of your investigation?
- why will this story be interesting and inspiring to other urban sketchers?
What is the selection process?
All proposals will be evaluated by the members of the USk Talks team and the USk Education committee. The merit of your proposal will be judged on the following criteria:
1. Aligns with Urban Sketchers manifesto
2. Successfully tells the story through drawings and narrative text
3. Showcases a unique aspect of a community, place, time, event, or larger culture
4. Sketcher’s availability to collaborate with the team on developing the proposal into a USk Talks Episode over the course of two months from the acceptance of the proposal.
What happens if my proposal is selected?
You will have at least 2 months to complete your project including the completion of 10 on-location sketches that tell the story in a reportage format.
Documentation
As you work on your visual reportage we ask that you document your project in photos, videos, and other media as much as you can. These could include photos of you sketching on location, photos of your subject and the setting, audio files of interviews with your subjects, time lapses, and so on.
What is reportage?
Reportage is a visual account of a cultural phenomenon, event, current history, etc., based in drawings completed from direct observation while on location. The drawings have to tell a story by capturing an event and showing context, characters, and setting. Sketches are accompanied by short pieces of narrative writing presented directly on the drawings or added separately. The narrative is informed by firsthand account, research, and interviews. A successful visual reportage gives viewers a feeling for the setting and the people.
Who can participate?
Sketchers of all abilities and styles are encouraged to apply. You can submit a proposal as an individual sketcher or form a creative collaboration with someone else or engage your whole chapter in this project.
What should I include in my proposal?
Please include at least three sketches in your proposal that are directly related to your project or investigation. Include a short narrative along with your sketches that answer these questions:
- what is the main idea/subject of your proposal?
- how does it fit into the larger cultural context?
- what other sketches you are hoping to complete in the course of your investigation?
- why will this story be interesting and inspiring to other urban sketchers?
What is the selection process?
All proposals will be evaluated by the members of the USk Talks team and the USk Education committee. The merit of your proposal will be judged on the following criteria:
1. Aligns with Urban Sketchers manifesto
2. Successfully tells the story through drawings and narrative text
3. Showcases a unique aspect of a community, place, time, event, or larger culture
4. Sketcher’s availability to collaborate with the team on developing the proposal into a USk Talks Episode over the course of two months from the acceptance of the proposal.
What happens if my proposal is selected?
You will have at least 2 months to complete your project including the completion of 10 on-location sketches that tell the story in a reportage format.
Documentation
As you work on your visual reportage we ask that you document your project in photos, videos, and other media as much as you can. These could include photos of you sketching on location, photos of your subject and the setting, audio files of interviews with your subjects, time lapses, and so on.
Other things to know
- If English is not your first language, we will work with you to edit text for clarity if needed.
- You may also submit posts in other languages, and we will try to find volunteer translators to work with you.
- All accepted proposals go through a collaborative editorial process.
- We reserve the right not to include all the sketches originally submitted.
- All submitted text may be edited for accuracy, grammar and clarity.
Where can I see some examples?
Events:
Events:
- Pickering's Wartime Weekend, by Joe Bean
- Morning Patrol at the Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic, by Richard Sheppard
- The aftermath of protests in Kyiv, by Natalia Litvinenko
Slices of time:
- Jazz quartet at my neighborhood library, by Laurie Wigham
- The ride home: sketches on the subway, New York City, by Andre Wee
Group reportage:
