Autograph ABP, previously known as the Association of Black Photographers, is a British-based international, non-profit-making, photographic arts agency.
History
Autograph was originally established in
London in 1988.
Founders included the photographers Sunil Gupta, Monika Baker, Merle Van den Bosch,
Pratibha Parmar,
Ingrid Pollard,
Roshini Kempadoo,
Armet Francis and Rotimi Fani-Kayode,
[ "Autograph Sees Light of Day" , Autograph.] as the Association of Black Photographers. Through a programme of advocacy, exhibitions and publication, Autograph went on to assist in the career development of a number of black and "culturally diverse" photographers, including Faisal Abdu'Allah, Gayle Chong Kwan, Roshini Kempadoo and
Yinka Shonibare.
In 1991 Mark Sealy became the director of the organisation.[ Mark Sealy biography, Africultures.] In 2002, the board changed the name to "Autograph ABP".[ "Stuart Hall" , Iniva.] Currently, the honorary patrons of Autograph ABP are David Lammy MP, Professor Catherine Hall, Lola Young (Baroness Young of Hornsey) OBE, and Henry Louis Gates Jr.[ "Who We Are", Autograph ABP.]
In 2008, Autograph received a grant of £660,500 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to "preserve the history of culturally diverse Britain through photography".
Role
Today, Autograph continues to develop, exhibit and publish the work of photographers and artists from culturally diverse backgrounds and to act as an advocate for their inclusion in mainstream areas of exhibition, publishing, training, education and commerce. Autograph produces its own programme of activities, as well as collaborating with other arts organisations nationally and internationally, such as the Liverpool Biennial. It also sees itself as playing a role in the advocacy of human rights worldwide, hosting exhibitions on the subjects of Roma/Gypsy peoples in Europe, as well as the photographic legacy of lynching in the US.
[ "Without Sanctuary: Lynching Photography in America" . Rivington Place - Art, debate & diversity.] Regular (annual) funding for Autograph is provided by Arts Council England.
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