Women Photographers Australia (WPA) is a new community founded by Hilary Wardhaugh a professional photographer based in Queanbeyan NSW. The role of  the WPA community is activism through photography. The aim is to utilise a growing network of female and non-binary photographers to advocate for issues that are close to our hearts. Photography and activism go hand in hand so by coming together and with our collective talents we hope to provoke change.

The #EverydayClimateCrisis Visual Petition is the first project that Women Photographers Australia is tackling. It will be a visual response to climate change. The goal is to crowd-source 1000 images from women and non-binary photographers all over Australia. The power of the Petition arises from each image presenting climate change from a personal and culturally diverse perspective. The result will be a powerful social, political statement to the current patriarchal power structures within Australia and therefore advocating on behalf of our Australian land, flora and fauna, indigenous cultures and future generations. The Petition will advance contemporary feminist discourse through photography and activism and shine a light on colonial and patriarchal power structures that have been influential in the climate crisis we face.

The project goals include:

• Exhibition launch, February 2022 in Canberra
• Artist Talks at the Gallery
• A small program of events surrounding the exhibition.
• A symbolic handover of the Visual Petition to our federally elected representatives in Canberra on/or around World Environment Day, in June 2022.

I believe this concept is unique, innovative and important in recognising the extensive cultural contribution women photographers and artists are making in Australia.

The project’s aim is to be collaborative and inclusive. It is completely free for photographers to submit images and you do not need to be a professional to submit an image.

TIMELINE

ABOUT THE ORGANSIER: Hilary Wardhaugh

Hilary Wardhaugh is an acclaimed, respected and awarded photographer with over 24 years of experience in the photographic industry. Hilary has far reaching networks across, photography, business and the arts in Canberra and nationally that will help in the success in this initiative whilst celebrating and recognising the contribution of other women participating and in the photographic arts. Hilary has exhibition experience, event management, speaking, education, volunteering, mentoring and her own photographic practice, based in Queanbeyan NSW

Thank you for your time and consideration.

www.womenphotographersaustralia.com.au and Instagram