MFON GLOBAL SYMPOSIUM: Presence and Preservation

This summer, MFON and Photoville, in partnership with MPB, the Open Society Foundations, and Parsons, School of Art, Media & Technology at The New School are proud to present the inaugural MFON Global Symposium: Presence and Preservation at the Parsons School of Design in New York City.

The one-day symposium will include a series of panel discussions, featuring scholars, artists, curators and centered around archiving and elevating the voices of women and non-binary of photographers of African descent, as part of Photoville’s annual Festival in New York City.

Keynote Discussion: Archiving our Stories
Featuring Dr. Deborah Willis and Joy Gregory
Join us for a keynote discussion featuring acclaimed photographers, scholars, and archivists as they explore the vital role of archiving, preserving, and exploring photography and visual culture within African American, Black British, and the broader African diaspora. They'll explore the importance of representation and storytelling in preserving diverse narratives, drawing on their extensive pioneering work.

Breaking the Frame: A new generation of thinkers in art and practice
Featuring Nicole Acheampong, Nadiya Nacorda, Naima Green and Melissa Alcena
Joined by this dynamic panel of scholars and visual artists, we’ll explore photography as a research-based practice from the diverse viewpoints of artists who are reshaping artistic landscapes with innovative and transformative perspectives and praxis.

Expanding the Canon: Contemporary Artists
Featuring Colette Veasey-Cullors, Keisha Scarville, Yelaine Rodriguez, and Nona Faustine Simmons
Guided by these creative and innovative panelists, we’ll navigate the complexities of identity, unravel historical narratives, and celebrate the multifaceted experiences of womanhood.

To Preserve and Protect: Documentary Photographers
Featuring Noelle Flores Théard, Lynsey Weatherspoon, Dee Dwyer and Marilyn Nance
This cutting-edge and inspiring group of artists share their perspectives that transcend mere documentation to provoke thought and action, driven by their innovative catalogues of documentary photography and photojournalism.

Register to reserve your spot for the MFON Global Symposium: Presence and Preservation!