The Globe Photo Academy B.C. Training and Mentorship Program
June 2026 – September 2026
This program aims to develop a new generation of visual storytellers in British Columbia, who are well-trained, unhindered by student loan debt, and focused on using their unique voices and perspectives to document and preserve our country’s history, with a particular focus on stories in Canada’s west which are relevant to us all. The initiative is powered by philanthropy focused on strengthening social and educational causes in the region.
Note:
The deadline to apply was Friday, May 8, 2026. Applications were reviewed by a volunteer jury. If you are interested in our programming, follow our social channels to learn of future opportunities.
About the Program
Given the gaps in regional news and storytelling, the hardships that graduates face in today’s job market, and the need to nurture underrepresented perspectives in Canadian media, in June 2026 The Globe and Mail Foundation launched a unique and intensive training opportunity to support a diverse cohort of early-career journalists, providing them with expert, early-career photojournalism training and mentorship.
The program is training nine promising graduates and early-career photographers, with participants from Indigenous, rural, and other underrepresented communities in B.C. Between June and September, students will take part in a weekly online session, with additional office hours, led by an experienced photojournalist whose work focuses on issues of class and environmental justice in rural Canada.
The course will feature a series of educators and presenters based in British Columbia. Students will be asked to develop or build on an existing visual storytelling project within the duration of the course.
Program Format
Through an open call for applications, The Globe and Mail Foundation Training and Mentorship Program for Emerging Photojournalists in BC invites photographers from British Columbia to ideate and begin working on a visual project, giving them the tools to begin exploring a career in visual storytelling and photojournalism. This 12-week program aims to give dedicated support and professional connections to the participants, who will be exposed to learning and opportunities for a pathway to visual storytelling and photojournalism.
The program consists of the following components delivered through weekly online classes:
-
Classes on the history of documentary photography, ethics, and presentations on their work with group feedback
-
How to construct visual narratives through various media and approaches
-
Guest speakers, career sustainability as a documentary photographer
-
All participants receive a modest stipend. Self-identifying Indigenous participants are matched with a dedicated mentor in the field, to further strengthen their connections and chance of success in the industry.
Selection Jury
Applications were reviewed and final selections made by the following volunteer committee, with thanks:
Chris Donovan, Photojournalism Programming Lead, The Globe and Mail Foundation
Shay Conroy, Documentary Photographer and Educator
Taehoon Kim, The Globe and Mail (Vancouver Bureau)
