As part of the column ‘Women by Women: A Shared Vision,’ created to expand and develop the theme chosen for our Global open call, we had a conversation with Polly Irungu, founder of Black Women Photographers, a directory, support hub, and global community of over 2,100 Black and African creatives across more than 60 countries and 35 U.S. states.
The aim of BWP is not only to give visibility to creatives, but also to help secure financial stability and provide educational resources. We sat down with Polly to learn more about the organisation, how it is structured, and how it’s possible to support their work.
How did your project come to life?
Black Women Photographers was born out of an urgent need for visibility, access, and tangible support. In July 2020, amid a global pandemic and a racial reckoning that highlighted deep inequities in the creative industry, it became clear how difficult it was for Black and African women visual artists to be discovered, commissioned, and supported—especially in moments of crisis. The first initiative was a crowdsourced COVID-19 relief fund to provide immediate support to creatives facing financial hardship. From there, BWP evolved into a global community, directory, and resource hub designed to dismantle systemic barriers and create long-term, sustainable opportunities for Black and African women creatives.
Could you tell us more about the educational resources you provide to your members?
Education and professional development are central to BWP’s work. We offer a wide range of free tools and resources, including our annual BWP Summit, webinars, workshops, trainings, portfolio reviews, and networking events. These programs are designed to support both the creative and business sides of building a sustainable career—covering topics like pitching, pricing, contracts, grants, licensing, and navigating the commercial and editorial industries. We’re deeply intentional about making these resources free and accessible, ensuring our members have the knowledge, confidence, and community needed to grow and thrive.
How has the creative world evolved for Black artists in the years since the inception of BWP?
Since BWP’s inception, there has been a noticeable shift in awareness and demand for more inclusive storytelling. Black artists are increasingly being recognized for their talent, vision, and cultural impact, and there’s a greater willingness from brands and institutions to engage with diverse creatives. That said, progress is not linear. While visibility has increased, true equity—particularly in pay, long-term contracts, and leadership roles—still requires consistent effort and accountability. BWP exists to help bridge that gap by advocating for systemic change while directly supporting artists with tangible resources and opportunities.
Would you like to share a particularly successful brand partnership?
Our ongoing partnership with Nikon has been especially impactful and rooted in creating tangible, long-term change. Together, we’ve established an annual grant fund that has provided over $200,000 in direct financial grants and more than $80,000 in cutting-edge camera equipment to our members. This support goes beyond one-time assistance—it equips Black and African women creatives with the resources, tools, and confidence needed to produce ambitious work, sustain their careers, and access professional opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
What upcoming projects are you currently working on?
We’re continuing to expand our global programming, including upcoming educational initiatives, funding opportunities, and both virtual and in-person events. We’re also focused on growing our directory and strengthening relationships with brands, publications, and institutions to increase paid commissions for our members. Additionally, we’re developing new resources centered on sustainability, mental wellness, and career longevity for Black and African women creatives.
How can people support Black Women Photographers?
There are many ways to support BWP. People can hire our members, share our directory with industry decision-makers, and partner with us on programs, grants, and initiatives. Financial contributions and sponsorships directly help us continue offering free resources, funding, and equipment to our members. Most importantly, support looks like long-term commitment—investing in Black creatives not just in moments of visibility, but consistently and intentionally.
Since everything we do at PhotoVogue is rooted in empowerment and collaboration with organizations that share our values, is there a women-focused initiative or group you’d like to spotlight or give a shout-out to?
Absolutely. I’d love to spotlight Women Street Photographers, founded by Gulnara Samoilova. It’s a powerful global platform dedicated to elevating and supporting women-identifying street photographers through exhibitions, education, and community-building. The initiative has been instrumental in creating visibility and opportunity for women working in a genre that has historically been male-dominated, while fostering collaboration, mentorship, and artistic exchange across borders.
