Apprentice Photographer

Salary: $18/hour

Status: Contract

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 two part-time Apprentice Photographers for

their project Beyond the Murals: Visual Story Sharing in the Highland Community. The Apprentice

Photographers will learn photography techniques from the Community Photographer, and assist the

Community Photographer in their visual story-sharing work. The Apprentice Photographers will also

assist with presenting community workshops and programming.

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 HighlandCommunity members and asking them about their COVID-19 experience, and what needs their community faces.

Scope of Work:

There are three main components to this role. The Apprentice Photographers will learn from the

Community Photographer photography techniques, visual story sharing methods, and how to present

community workshops and programming to the public. Apprentice Photographers will also assist with

the community programming directed toward youth and other vulnerable groups, to teach them a new

skill and provide positive and instructive social interactions. Finally, Apprentice Photographers 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 6 – 12 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:

• Must be 18 years of age or older.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

• Willingness to learn and share with community members.

• Experience with photography a plus.

Special Requirements:

• Ability to travel to and from various locations within the City of Niagara Falls.

To Apply:

Qualified candidates should submit a resume and cover letter. If candidate has previous photography

experience, please include digital portfolio and/or link to website and social media. Incomplete

applications will be considered unfavorably.

Submit to:

Ally Spongr DeGon, Director of Public Art

Niagara Falls National Heritage Area

ally@discoverniagara.org