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The New Orleans Photo Alliance’s
Michael P. Smith Fund For Documentary Photography
2009 Grant Recipient: Jonathan Traviesa
Joseph © Jonathan Traviesa |
Jeff L. Rosenheim, Curator, Department of Photographs, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, the 2009 MPS Fund juror, describes Traviesa's project: "The photographs delight the eye and thrill the heart." |
See the 2009 Grant Finalists
About the MPS Fund
The Michael P. Smith Fund For Documentary Photography (MPS Fund) was created by the New Orleans Photo Alliance to honor the life and work of Michael P. Smith, one of New Orleans’ most legendary and beloved documentary photographers. The MPS Fund awards one $5000 grant annually to a Gulf Coast photographer whose work combines artistic excellence and a sustained commitment to a long-term cultural documentary project.
Both emerging and established photographers residing in the Gulf Coast states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida are eligible to apply. The subject matter for the proposed project is not limited to the Gulf Coast region.
For more information about the MPS Fund or if you wish to make a contribution please contact us at MPSFund@neworleansphotoalliance.org. Please scroll down to view the grant guidelines and application form.
© The Historic New Orleans Collection
About Michael P. Smith
Michael P. Smith (1937–2008), a New Orleans native and award-winning professional freelance photographer, spent a lifetime capturing the music, culture and folklife of New Orleans and Louisiana. He was well known for documenting New Orleans social club parades and jazz funerals, neighborhood Mardi Gras traditions, spiritual church ceremonies, and many of the city and state's renowned jazz, blues rhythm and blues, and gospel musicians. Smith photographed at every New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival from its inception in 1970 until his retirement in 2004, when he was honored with a major grandstand exhibition and photo kiosks placed around the Fair Grounds.
In a brilliant career that spanned more than four decades, produced 5 books, and garnered a host of honors, including 2 fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, Smith was an inspiration, a role model and a mentor to many photographers in New Orleans and beyond.
Michael P. Smith Biographical Information
Michael P. Smith Fund and grant information: MPSFund@neworleansphotoalliance.org