This new International bursary launched in 2024 commemorates the life of photojournalist Eamonn McCabe (1948-2022). McCabe made his name as a sports photographer before moving to wider editorial work, mainly working for The Observer and The Guardian newspapers. He was widely respected and supported a generation of photographers from the 1980s to the 2020s. Through his own photography, books and broadcasting, he did much to raise awareness of photography’s history and significance to a wider public. He was Fellow of the RPS. This bursary looks to continue that legacy. It is supported by Eamonn McCabe’s family and The Guardian newspaper.
The bursary will provide £3000 to a photographer aged 30 years or under to deliver a photography project responding to the theme of ‘sporting endeavour’. This can be interpreted as widely as the applicant wishes, but the general approach should be suitable for publication. The project should normally be new, not previously exhibited or published.
As well as professional sports we particularly encourage projects covering grassroots and community activities. These could be addressing issues such as mental health, or supporting displaced communities etc. We will also welcome creative interpretations on the theme.