The International Center of Photography (ICP), the world’s leading institution dedicated to photography and visual culture, presented its ninth annual Spotlights benefit, celebrating three women in visual arts working in photography and film, with a new virtual experience accessible to all on Tuesday, October 27th. In line with Christian Louboutin’s shared value of encouraging greater equity and inclusion in the cultural sector, ICP presented the Christian Louboutin Scholarship during this year’s Spotlights event program. This inaugural scholarship award supports one local or national student enrolled in ICP’s One-Year Certificate program, underscoring the importance of supporting the diversity of voices in the arts.
The Spotlights benefit was founded in 2012 to shine a light on the immense talent of women influencing the world of photography and visual culture. Presented by Christian Louboutin and co-chaired by contemporary artists Zoë Buckman and Sheree Hovsepian, Spotlights 2020 recognized filmmaker and cinematographer Nadia Hallgren, contemporary artist Deana Lawson, and Editor in Chief of Teen Vogue, Lindsay Peoples Wagner. These three women were celebrated through a lively conversation with Isolde Brielmaier, ICP Curator-at-Large, presented on ICP’s YouTube channel, followed by a live Q&A.
“We’re excited to recognize all three honorees for their important leadership and outstanding visual authorship across all facets of visual culture,” says Mark Lubell, Executive Director of ICP. “Today more than ever, culture needs us so I’m very proud we, with ICP, honor this year three women who are these incredible image-makers and contributors to enrich the actual cultural and societal conversations,” says Christian Louboutin. “I’m also very keen to support ICP’s work on cultivating a new generation of talent from different places in America and their efforts to support diversity through their scholarship programs.” This year’s scholarship was awarded to Shateek Mitchell.
Produced by ICP’s creative production partner, Makeout, Spotlights will brings international, national, and local audiences together, making it the farthest-reaching program in the history of the event. In a period of extended isolation, the new format allows the public to virtually gather and celebrate the honorees’ trailblazing careers, leadership, and contributions to conversations furthering images and image-making as forms of empowerment and catalysts for social change. The event coincides with an online print sale featuring photography from ICP alumni. This new initiative will deliver 100% of the proceeds back to the alumni artists. ICP is collaborating with 365NOW, LLC to deliver museum-quality prints of alumni images to buyers worldwide. The online print sale is extended through December 31st.
ICP Alumni print sale which is now live at https://icpalumniprints.com.
Words by Kara Studzinski
