Back and Forth
A Free Mentorship Program for Emerging Photographers
- When:
- Where: Online / Verona*
- Max partecipants:
3
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.
Chiara Bandino
(Rome, IT, 1985), originally a marine biologist, shifted to photography and specializes in publishing and curatorial work. She has the role of Curator of Fonderia 20.9 and Spazio Alva, focusing on collaborative editorial projects and exhibition catalogs.
Francesco Biasi
(Verona, IT, 1976) is co-founder and Project Director of Fonderia 20.9, he also manages our Production Hub and the gallery’s book collection. Since 2018 is one of the curators of SÅM Explorazione Visiva della Lessinia.
Rocco Venezia
(Bari, IT, 1991) is an artist and curator with an MA in Photography from the University of South Wales. His work has been exhibited at VOID and JEST, and he published Nekyia with Witty Books. With several years of curatorial experience, he joined Fonderia 20.9 as Artistic Director in 2024, bringing his expertise in visual storytelling, research-driven projects, exhibition design, and book-making.
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
Virtual studio visits with established contemporary practitioners operating in various fields, enrich the program with external perspectives and professional insights. The full list of guest artists will be announced soon.
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
How to Apply
Required Materials
Applicants must submit a Single PDF (max 10MB) including a Project Proposal (max 1 Page) outlining the concept, goals, and stage of development a Portfolio of images (max 10 Pages. If multimedia is essential to your practice, please include Drive or Dropbox links directly in the PDF) and a Motivation Statement (max 1 page) with a brief reflection on why this program is valuable at this stage of your career and how it aligns with your artistic development.
Application Form
To apply, complete the Google Form at the following this LINK.
Eligibility
Geographic Scope
Open to emerging photographers based in Italy. Residency (not nationality) determines eligibility.
Educational Background
Applicants cannot be enrolled in formal art education (such as university or art schools) at the time of application. However, individuals who have completed their studies, as well as 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.