Reportage Social Documentary Grant

The inaugural grant received an overwhelming response from the photographic community. Grant submissions were made up by roughly 70% international photographers and 30% Australia-based.

Launched in 2008, the biennial grant of $10,000 will assist a photographer to research, create and produce a new and compelling social documentary work in Australia. The resulting work will be shown at the 2010 Reportage Festival.

The 2008 Reportage Social Photo Documentary Grant Winner was Michael Hagedorn, Germany.

Winner of the $10,000 Reportage Grant for an Australian Social Photo Documentary. Hagedorn proposed a project he has called "Warding off Wawu Warra" a focus on the condition of dementia quietly suffered by indigenous Australians. Aboriginal people aged 45 years and older were found to have around 4 times the non-indigenous rate of dementia.

There are strong and encouraging indications that traditional Aboriginal ways of dealing with symptoms like dementia might lead to a new understanding of and a new approach to dealing with this global social and human challenge. Follow Michael's project on www.twitter.com/AlzAustralia

Judges for the 2008 Grant: Alasdair Foster, Director of The Australian Centre For Photography, photographer Mike Bowers and festival manager Jacqui Vicario.