Photographer Needed for Beyond the Murals: Visual Story Sharing in the Highland Community.

Wanted: Community Project Photograher

Salary: $25/hour

Status: Contractor: March – August 2024 Reports to: Director of Public Art

The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area (NFNHA) is one of 62 National Heritage Areas in the United States. Designated by the United States Congress in 2008, its mission is to preserve, promote, and protect the diverse historic, cultural, and environmental assets of the Niagara region.

Background:

Enacted by Congress in 2008, the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area completed its Management Plan in 2012 and became an independent non-profit organization in 2013. In the past decade, the NFNHA has designed, developed and implemented major community-centric and tourism programs, projects and products. Most notably, the Discover Niagara Shuttle – a free hop-on, hop-off shuttle that was established in 2017 – the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center – the first cultural attraction to open in the City of Niagara Falls in over 35 years that was designed, installed, and opened to the public 2018. These major projects led the way for the NFNHA to position itself as the public arts leader implementing public art and creative placemaking in the Niagara region.

In 2019, the NFNHA launched its public art program NF Murals, founded with a $160,000 grant from the New York State Health Foundation. Shortly thereafter the Niagara Falls Heritage Arts program was formed, the official public art Initiative of the NFNHA. The NFNHA has secured close to 1 million dollars for current and forthcoming public art projects in the next three years. This immense growth in creative placemaking has begun to shift the landscape of the City of Niagara Falls and surrounding communities. Taking an equitable and inclusive approach to all projects, the NFNHA believes that art, and access to art opportunities, has the potential to address systemic barriers and generate change.

In every initiative, the NFNHA seeks to connect people to the vibrant history of the Niagara region through historic preservation, protecting archives and amplifying the personal stories of people who shaped the NFNHA through their life’s and through their life’s choices. The NFNHA understands that history is not static, but a bridge to the future, where people can impact a place by their life and their life’s work. We believe that interpretation and educational programming guides people to gain a sense of place and be inspired by those around them seeking change today.

Position:

The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area (NFNHA) seeks a part-time Community Project Photographer (Photographer) for their project:

Beyond the Murals: Visual Story Sharing in the Highland Community.

The Photographer will serve as the project lead, reporting to the Director of Public Art. The Photographer will also supervise, manage and train (as needed) two Apprentice Photographers throughout this project.

Beyond the Murals Project:

Similar to the photography project, “Humans of New York,” this style of documentary includes a portrait of the subject and a transcription of their words. In our project, we will be taking portraits of Highland Community members and asking them about their COVID-19 experience, what needs they and their community have, and stories they would like to tell through artistic experiences.

Scope of Work:

There are three main components to this role. The Community Project Photographer will lead the Photography Apprenticeship and will train two Apprentice Photographers to assist with community programming and visual story sharing work. The Photographer will also develop photography classes directed toward youth and other vulnerable groups, to teach them a new skill and provide positive and instructive social interactions. Finally, the Photographer will interact with Highland Community members, and encourage them to visually share their stories of how COVID-19 has impacted their lives, and what needs exist in the Highland Community.

This role is designed to encompass approximately 25 hours per week, and will last until August 31, 2024. Additional time on site can be arranged as necessary. Prospective photographers should be comfortable with discussions and interactions with community members.

Qualifications:

• Previous working experience as a photographer required.
• Extensive and eye-catching portfolio.
• Hands on experience with modern photography equipment.
• In-depth knowledge of photography software.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Outstanding organizational and time management skills.

Special Requirements:

• Must have a valid driver’s license and vehicle to perform job-related tasks.
• Must be able to provide and utilize one’s own professional photography equipment.

To Apply:

Qualified candidates should submit a resume (with three professional references listed), portfolio, and

cover letter that demonstrates their photography experience, style and qualifications. Incomplete applications will be considered unfavorably.

Submit to:

Ally Spongr DeGon, Director of Public Art Niagara Falls National Heritage Area

ally@discoverniagara.org