Bringing the

Far Away Near

نحول البعيدإلى قريب

World-class documentary photography education, rooted in Africa and SWANA, open to the world.

Our Mission

For over two decades, we’ve lived and breathed documentary photography. PLATFORM 2020 exists to champion artists from Africa and SWANA, amplifying voices too often overlooked and placing them at the centre of global conversations.

We believe in democratising education: Bringing the Far Away Near, so that access to world-class knowledge is not bound by geography or privilege.

Through a dynamic programme led by world-class practitioners, we equip the next generation of storytellers with the tools, confidence and community to master their craft, define their vision and build sustainable careers.

Featured Talks

ON SEEING & BEING SEEN

A four-part conversation series co-curated by PLATFORM 2020 & The VII Foundation

A rusted key attached to a red heart-shaped paper with printed text on it.

Photo © Ziyah Gafic, The VII Foundation

Across four conversations, we bring together practitioners connected to Africa, SWANA and beyond to reflect on authorship, power and responsibility in visual storytelling today. These are exchanges shaped by people telling their own stories and making work that resists the easy frame. Together, they open up more nuanced ways of seeing that move beyond stereotype, cliché and crisis-centred narratives.

EXPLORE THE SERIES

POINT

ZERO.

A women-led studio for photographers across Africa & SWANA making work that refuses to soften itself.

Inspired by Nawal El Saadawi’s Woman at Point Zero, this is a women-held container for authored work with beauty and bite: critique, mentoring and a final digital zine and online showcase. In collaboration with Through the Lens Collective.

Applications Closed.

Explore Point Zero

A World of Opportunities

to Expand the Frame

New Chapters will unfold in time. If you’d like to hear first when our next openings go live, join our Letters from Home mailing list.

Workshops & Mentorships

Learn with guidance that meets you where you are. From first steps with a camera to building a book or exhibition, our workshops & mentorships are designed to help your vision grow.
The Documentary Lab

Launching in 2027, our flagship year-long Pathways programme. Designed for photographers ready to make the leap from practice to authorship.
Membership

Coming soon. Our Pathways Membership circle of storytellers. Membership will give you special access to learning, community & inspiration. Whether you’re just starting out or shaping visionary projects.
Talks & Events

Belong to a global conversation. Our live talks & events connect you with inspiring practitioners, exploring the stories & struggles that shape documentary photography today.
Podcast

Coming Spring 2026. Conversations Away from Home, a PLATFORM 2020 podcast bringing together voices from Africa, SWANA & beyond to reflect on photography, belonging & what “home” means.
Expert Sessions

Create with confidence through one-to-one advice from curators, editors, book designers & visual practitioners. Expert voices, brought directly to you.
Merchandise

Coming soon. Carry the spirit of PLATFORM 2020 with you. Thoughtful, creative designs that bring our community into your everyday.