Donate

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Donate ●

Together, We Bring

the Far Away Near

Stories that

Matter

Stories that

Travel

At PLATFORM 2020, we believe photography is a universal language, one that connects us across geographies, histories and cultures. Our mission is to make world-class education in documentary photography accessible to all: from those just beginning to explore storytelling through images, to established practitioners seeking to refine, expand and reimagine their work.

Your support ensures that our programming remains inclusive, rigorous and deeply rooted in the contexts of Africa and SWANA, while open to voices everywhere. By contributing, you are helping us sustain a space where photographers at every stage of their practice can learn, grow and share their vision with the world.

3% Cover the Fee

Why Your Support Matters

Your contribution goes directly towards:

• Keeping programmes affordable and accessible for emerging photographers, while maintaining advanced-level masterclasses for experienced practitioners.

• Supporting mentorships and long-form workshops that provide both foundational guidance and critical, advanced feedback.

• Creating opportunities for participants across all levels to showcase their work and engage in global conversations.

Together, we can nurture a cross-section of voices and practices, ensuring that stories grounded in memory, belonging and lived experience travel far and wide.

I created PLATFORM 2020 because, when I was starting out, the doors I longed to open simply did not exist, especially for voices rooted in Africa and SWANA. I also searched for role models who looked like me, whose languages and worlds reflected my own.

PLATFORM 2020 is my offering: a place for Bringing the Far Away Near, where knowledge is shared openly and where these voices stand not at the margins, but at the centre.

Whether you are taking your first steps or pushing to lead change, you belong here.

— Laura El-Tantawy

A Note From

the Founder

Giving FAQs

  • Your support goes directly into sustaining our courses, masterclasses and mentorships. It helps us keep programmes affordable and accessible, while ensuring we can offer advanced-level learning and opportunities to showcase the work of our participants. At the heart of PLATFORM 2020 is the goal to democratise documentary photography education, especially for practitioners in Africa and SWANA who are too often priced out of opportunities due to economic disparities. Your contribution empowers them to tell their own stories, shaping their own histories and futures and ensures their voices travel far and wide.

  • We’d love to hear from you. Partnerships with organisations help us expand our reach and create new opportunities for our community. If you’re interested in supporting or collaborating, please reach out: together we can amplify voices and build stronger networks for documentary photography.

  • Absolutely. Every contribution, no matter the size, plays a role in making documentary photography education more inclusive. Together, small acts of support create lasting impact, helping stories that matter reach audiences everywhere.

  • Yes. We believe in transparency and community. We will regularly share participant work through our 2020 Showcase and updates about our programmes so you can see the stories, projects and opportunities your support makes possible.

  • Yes. Setting up a recurring gift allows us to plan ahead with confidence and sustain long-term initiatives. It means you’ll be directly part of the ongoing journey of photographers at every stage of their practice.