Joan Wakelin Bursary
The Bursary was established in 2005 in memory of distinguished documentary photographer and Honorary Fellow of The Society, Joan Wakelin. The Bursary funds new projects only. We do not support on-going projects. The Bursary does not support projects requiring travel to or within war zones.
Closing date 14 July 2025, to get started or access an existing application go to the application portal and use your RPS Account credentials to login or create an account.
2025 Recipient: Rick Findler
Project: Navajo Nation: A Nation and Culture in Decline
A photographic project focusing on the indigenous Native Americans, the threats to their culture and their ever-diminishing presence in today's society. It will showcase their colourful traditions such as Aztec dancers, inter-tribal ceremonies and skills passed down through generations whilst also touching on the existential risk to their heritage in the modern world.
Explore more:
Previous Recipients
Explore the previous recipients of the Joan Wakelin bursary going back to 2005, read more out their projects and on going work.
The 2025 Joan Wakelin Bursary
Applications Closed for 2025.
Partners and supported by:
In Partnership with the Guardian and supported by Metro Imaging. On completion of the projects, each recipient will also have the opportunity to have a portfolio of images printed by Metro Imaging.