Back and Forth
A Free Mentorship Program for Emerging Photographers
- When:
- Where: Online / Verona*
On the occasion of the 10th year anniversary of the gallery, Fonderia is happy to present Back-and-Forth an online free mentoring program designed to provide emerging photographers with tailored guidance, professional development, and access to a supportive network.
Curated and mentored by Fonderia 20.9 team, the program supports Italy-based artists in refining their ongoing projects through mentorship and online studio visits while fostering critical discussion and enhancing their international visibility. It culminates in a public showcase at Fonderia in 2026, providing participants with a platform to display their work.
We’re excited to announce the 3 selected artists for this first edition: Federica Torrenti, Ludovica Limido and Irene Ferrari.
Selected Participant - Federica Torrenti
Selected Participant - Ludovica Limido
Selected Participant - Irene Ferrari
Main Tutor - Fonderia 20.9
Fonderia 20.9 is a cultural space dedicated to photography and contemporary art, founded in Verona in 2015. It promotes collaboration, education, and sustainability through exhibitions and publishing. Back and Forth Mentorship tutors will be Chiara Bandino, curator with a focus on editorial and collaborative projects; Francesco Biasi, co-founder and project director with expertise in production and artist support; and Rocco Venezia, artistic director, artist, and curator specializing in research-based practices and visual storytelling.
Program Structure
Group Mentorship
Three collective meetings over nine months, fostering peer exchange and thematic discussions. Meetings will take place online, with the possibility of in-person sessions at our space in Verona, subject to mutual agreement with the selected participants.
One-to-One Sessions
Three personalized mentorship meetings per mentee, offering tailored guidance on project development, conceptual and technical challenges, and professional strategies.
Studio Visits
4 Virtual studio visits with established contemporary practitioners operating in various fields, enrich the program with external perspectives and professional insights. Our 2025 guests are:
Fiorenza Pinna – Independent curator and book designer specializing in contemporary photography and photobooks, recognized for her international work.
Tommaso Parrillo – Founder of Witty Books, dedicated to publishing photography and visual arts. Co-founder of JEST, a cultural space for photographic research in Turin.
Federico Clavarino & Tami Izko – Collaborative duo combining photography and sculpture to explore history, migration, and belonging, with projects developed internationally.
Sonja Thomsen – Interdisciplinary artist merging photography, sculpture, and architecture, exhibited internationally with work in major collections.
Final Showcase
Selected projects that reach an advanced stage will be showcased in a group showcase hosted by Fonderia 20.9 in 2026. The exhibition offers public visibility, networking opportunities, and a curated space for mentees to present their work. Production costs will be fully covered by Fonderia 20.9.
Timeline
Call Opens
14 February 2025
Submission Deadline
18 March 2025 (23:59 CET)
Shortlists Contacted
Late March 2025
Artists Selection
Early April 2025
Program Duration
Late April > Early December 2025
Showcase at Fonderia 20.9
TBC 2026
Eligibility
Geographic Scope
Open to emerging photographers based in Italy. Residency (not nationality) determines eligibility.
Educational Background
Applicants must not be enrolled in formal art education (such as public universities or art schools) at the time of application. However, students from private institutions, individuals who have completed their studies, and those currently enrolled in non-art-related programs are eligible to apply.
Career Stage
Open to early-career photographers without major solo exhibitions but with a strong artistic vision and ambition.
Selection Process
Project Evaluation
Applications will be assessed based on the project's artistic potential and conceptual strength. Applicants must present an early-stage project they wish to develop or even a conceptual-phase project, provided they have a strong portfolio to support their application. We welcome proposals across all themes, with a preference for projects that demonstrate a strong narrative, research-driven approach, and thoughtful artistic inquiry. While photography remains central, we encourage the use of expanded media that aligns coherently with the project’s vision and storytelling.
Artistic Commitment
We seek applicants who demonstrate a serious commitment to their artistic practice and a clear intention to grow within the field. The selection committee will prioritize candidates who wish to engage with critical discourse actively, challenge conventional perspectives, and show a willingness to experiment and push their work forward.
Barriers to Access
Priority may be given to applicants facing financial, professional, or geographic limitations, as we recognize the structural barriers that may impact artistic careers. Disclosure of such challenges is optional but may be considered in the selection process to support those with limited access to opportunities.