PHOTOGRAPHY 2020 Magnum Photos Annual General Meeting

Magnum’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) closed this weekend, following four days of online events and internal discussion about the year ahead. The AGM is Magnum’s official opportunity to unite its community of photographers, estates and international staff to discuss company business and vote on potential new members, associates and nominees.

Due to the pandemic, this year’s AGM took place online, alongside a public events program which included the presentation of Magnum Flow, a new digital project launched during lockdown to present contemporary work in near real-time, and a conversation on the colonial archive between Mark Sealy, Mikhael Subotzky and Sim Chi Yin.

The assembly welcomed Caitlin Hughes, Magnum’s new CEO, who joined the organisation to further strengthen the fundamentals of the business as well as to advance Magnum’s reputation as a pioneer at the forefront of digital innovation.

As an international photographic cooperative owned by is photographer-members Magnum has a structured process for introducing new members. Photographers first join the organisation as nominees before progressing to become associates and then finally gaining admission to the Magnum collective as full life-long members. During the AGM this year, the following motions were passed:

• Sohrab Hura becomes a member (India)

• Lorenzo Meloni becomes a member (Italy)

• Gregory Halpern becomes an associate (USA)

• Rafal Milach becomes an associate (Poland)

• Lua Ribeira becomes an associate (Spain)

• Lindokuhle Sobekwa becomes an associate (South Africa)

• Emin Özmen becomes an associate (Turkey)

Magnum also welcomes five new photographers who join as nominees:

• Sabiha Çimen (Turkey)

Sabiha Çimen (Turkey) / Photo courtesy of Magnum Photos and the photographer

• Hannah Price (USA)

Hannah Price (USA) / Photo courtesy of Magnum Photos and the photographer

• Khalik Allah (USA)

Khalik Allah (USA) / Photo courtesy of Magnum Photos and the photographer

• Colby Deal (USA)

Colby Deal (USA) / Photo courtesy of Magnum Photos and the photographer

• Yael Martínez (Mexico)

Yael Martínez (Mexico) / Photo courtesy of Magnum Photos and the photographer

Magnum’s AGM was led by Hughes and the outgoing President of Magnum Photos, Thomas Dworzak, who has completed his 3-year term and will be succeeded in the post by Olivia Arthur following a unanimous vote.

Dworzak said: “It was a marvellous honour to spend three years serving an organization as steeped in history as Magnum. I am delighted to welcome such an impressively talented, diverse and inspiring group of photographers as join our number this weekend. This is what builds the future.”

Arthur said: “I came into this amazing family twelve years ago and in that time I have seen a great deal of growth and change. I am honoured to be taking over this role from Thomas who has served us so well and look forward to being part of a new era in Magnum’s history as we continue to move forwards.”

With eyes to the future, Hughes said: “I am thrilled to welcome our new nominees who come from a range of different backgrounds and add to the plurality of voices inside Magnum. Whilst Covid-19 presents challenges for arts and culture around the world, Magnum is fortunate to have an incredible roster of talent who are able to connect with their audiences in a powerful way online. We could not wish for a more engaged and supportive community of digital followers and I look forward to deepening these relationships in the coming years.”

MAGNUM PHOTOS

Founded in 1947 by Robert Capa, Henri Cartier-Bresson, George Rodger and David Seymour, Magnum Photos is a co-operative owned by its members, representing some of the world’s most renowned photographers and artists. With offices in London, Paris, New York and Tokyo, Magnum photographers continue to chronicle the world, interpreting its people, events and issues through visual storytelling.

Magnum members shoot commercial assignments and commissions for some of the world’s leading organisations and Magnum Photos offers a range of creative services, including programming international exhibitions, workshops, events and books, as well as its own independent editorial publishing platform.

In line with the times, Magnum has been undergoing a brand and digital transformation. Its success to date is demonstrated by a hyper-engaged, global following on social media of 6 million followers and growing innovative revenue streams for the artists that make up the collective.