The Freedom to Create Prize celebrates the power of art to fight oppression, break down stereotypes and build trust in societies where the social fabric has been ripped apart by conflict, violence and misunderstanding. History shows that prosperous societies are founded upon creativity. Societies that encourage artistic expression build strong foundations for economic, political and cultural development. They will lead tomorrow’s world.

During the weekend’s visit, my host, Peat, told me about another photographer who has had a major impact on the Tasmanian landscape, Peter Dombrovskis. I want to tell you the story that Peat told to me.

In honor of Earth Day, Eliza Gregory explores the work of Matthew Newton, documenting old-growth logging in Tasmania.

During a recent trip to Savannah, Georgia I began to see my  “traveler’s eyes” a different way. On one hand I was
seduced by the soft, warm breeze, Spanish mosses in gray green curtains billowing out from every tree, pink azaleas
beginning to escape from their buds into a southern spring. On the other, trash caught in [...]

The Municipal Dump in Phnom Penh was the scene of abject poverty and hardship. It closed its gates in 2009 but is this the end of the story, what has happened to the people who worked as scavengers on the dump. The new dump has been moved several miles outside of the city and NO scavenging is to be allowed.

Potosi, Bolivia Miners: 5 Centuries Deep is a photo documentary project that aims to explore the changing face of the mining community and mining industry in Potosi, Bolivia. Photographer Irina Zhorov hopes to bring more awareness to the situation of the miners, the surrounding towns, and the economic implications of foreign ownership.

October 15 is Blog Action Day 2009, and this year’s theme is Climate Change.

Links from around the web relating to photography and social change

Homegrown for Health and Economy was founded as an internet awareness campaign aimed at educating the public about the many benefits of home gardening, and assist those interested in getting started on their own gardens.

The Prix Pictet is a new photography award that will help bring environmental issues to the attention of the world. Photographers were nominated based on the impact and quality of their photography, and the 2008 Shortlist of finalists has been announced.