Getty Images and Verizon Partner to Close Representation Gap of Disability Voices and Stories in Media and Advertising

Rhea-AI Summary

Getty Images (NYSE: GETY) announced the recipients of a US $40,000 grant aimed at promoting authentic representation of disability communities. The initiative highlights that only 1% of media visuals include individuals with disabilities, despite 20% of the global population living with such conditions. The grant awarded Megan E. Doherty US $15,000 as the first-place recipient, while Mia Boccella received US $10,000 for second place. Three photographers received US $5,000 each for third place, emphasizing Getty's commitment to diversifying visual representation.

Positive

• Grant awards totaling US $40,000 to support disability representation.
• Increased interest in visuals of people with disabilities (+5%).
• Recognition of significant underrepresentation in media (only 1%).
• Commitment to diversity in visual storytelling aligns with market demand.

Negative

• None.

Five photographers awarded a total of US $40,000 to support and encourage authentic representation of disability communities in the media

NEW YORK, Aug. 30, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Getty Images (NYSE: GETY), a preeminent global visual content creator and marketplace, together with Verizon, have today announced the recipients of a US $40,000 creative grant focused on sharing the voices, experiences and stories of disability communities.

Getty Images’ VisualGPS global research shows that despite around 20% of people globally living with some form of visible or invisible disability, only 1% of visuals in media and advertising include a person living with a disability, with wheelchairs overwhelmingly being the primary indicator of someone having a disability.

Despite the ongoing gap in representation, a look at search data from Getty Images’ most popular visuals shows that there is an increasing interest in visuals (+5%) of people with disabilities in work and community settings, with searches related to disability growing above other trends.

“The traditional standard for visualizing people with disabilities in media and advertising is in need of a refresh to authentically reflect the diversity of relationships within the broader community,” said Dr. Rebecca Swift, Creative Grant Judge and Global Head of Creative Insights at Getty Images. “We are pleased to support creators working to capture the real experiences of real communities.”

This year’s program awarded one first-place recipient US $15,000, one second-place recipient US $10,000 and three third-place recipients US $5,000 each. The recipients of the grant are:

First-Place (US $15,000)

• Megan E. Doherty (US) is a photographer and writer focused on reporting stories about chronic illness, medical research, and disability. Her multi-year documentary project Back of the Yards won the 2016 Project Development Grant from CENTER, an arts organization that supports socially and environmentally engaged photographic projects.
  

Second-Place (US $10,000)

• Mia Boccella (US) is a filmmaker, photographer, certified life coach and equestrian. Her work creates opportunities for people to connect more deeply with the powerful Interconnections that we all have with one another, animals and the natural world. Mia is legally blind and is constantly aware of changes in light, contrast and color that challenge her ability to see. Through the camera and processing she can make images that allow her to more clearly define her world.
  

Third-Place (US $5,000 each)

• Tuija Marander (Finland) is a photographer with a special interest in fashion photography, along with the rights and visibility of disabled people. In the future, she is looking to somehow combine these two subjects in her work.
  
• Christian Tasso (US) is a photographer living and working between Italy and New York. His work focuses on themes across community, traditions and rituals, and the interaction between humanity and nature. His inspiration comes from his everyday interaction with remarkable people from different backgrounds.
  
• Anna Spindelndreier (Germany) is a freelance photographer and photo editor. The goal of her work is to fight for more authentic, lifelike photos of people with disabilities and show the diversity of disability.
  

Recipients were selected by an esteemed panel of judges, including:

• Shani Dhanda – Inclusion Specialist; Social Entrepreneur
• Andraéa LaVant – President and Chief Inclusion Officer, LaVant Consulting Inc.
• Nolan Ryan Trowe – Professor & Multimedia Artist; winner of the 2019 Disability Stories Creative Grant
• Lawrence Carter-Long – Media Professional and Disability Advocate
• Dr. Rebecca Swift – Global Head of Creative Insights at Getty Images
  

This initiative is part of Getty Images’ wider grants program, furthering our commitment to the craft of photography and bringing attention to important stories that without funding, may otherwise remain unseen. Since its inception in 2004, the company has donated over US $2.4 million to photographers and videographers around the world.

Further details on the Getty Images grants program available at https://grants.gettyimages.com.

Media Contact:
Alex.Lazarou@gettyimages.com

About Getty Images:

Getty Images (NYSE: GETY) is a preeminent global visual content creator and marketplace that offers a full range of content solutions to meet the needs of any customer around the globe, no matter their size. Through its Getty Images, iStock and Unsplash brands, websites and APIs, Getty Images serves customers in almost every country in the world and is the first-place people turn to discover, purchase and share powerful visual content from the world’s best photographers and videographers. Getty Images works with over 496,000 contributors and more than 300 content partners to deliver this powerful and comprehensive content. Each year Getty Images covers more than 160,000 news, sport and entertainment events providing depth and breadth of coverage that is unmatched. Getty Images maintains one of the largest and best privately-owned photographic archives in the world with millions of images dating back to the beginning of photography.

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FAQ

What is the purpose of Getty Images' US $40,000 grant?

The grant aims to support authentic representation of disability communities in media.

How many photographers received the Getty grant?

Five photographers were awarded grants totaling US $40,000.

What was the first-place award amount in the Getty grant program?

The first-place recipient, Megan E. Doherty, received US $15,000.

How much did Getty Images invest in grants since 2004?

Getty Images has donated over US $2.4 million to photographers and videographers worldwide.

What does Getty Images’ VisualGPS research indicate about disability representation?

VisualGPS research shows only 1% of media visuals feature individuals with disabilities, despite 20% of the global population living with a disability.