Getty Launches Unshuttered 5.0

Getty launches its fifth iteration of Unshuttered, a photo-intensive teen program, this year focusing on the theme “Taking a Moment.”

16 Los Angeles-area teen photographers are participating in an eight-week paid photography program held on Saturdays from April 1 to May 20, 2023, at the Getty Center. The participants come from a mix of public, charter, and private schools and are from areas across Los Angeles, including North Hollywood, Downtown L.A., Burbank, South L.A., and Torrance

“Due to the pandemic, it’s been four years since we’ve had participants of Unshuttered at the Getty Center. This year we’re returning to the program’s roots, as an incubator for creativity and medium for connecting young people to photography as a means for great storytelling,” says Keishia Gu, head of education at the Getty Museum. “We’re looking forward to leveraging Getty resources and our unique partnerships to further magnify, project, and showcase the authentic voices of young artists.”

This year’s theme, “Taking A Moment,” offers layered possibilities of definition and engagement. Photography is uniquely suited and capable of capturing a moment in time, a candid instance, or an iconic event. When asked to interpret the theme, participants also note that the phrase brings to mind the importance of giving yourself time and space—to be creative and to be present.

The program provides hands-on experience for early to intermediate photographers seeking to build fundamental skills and develop strong portfolios in photography. Highlights of the program include behind-the-scenes access to the Getty Museum, connections with museum professionals, and close collaboration with photography mentors.

Creating and finding ways to exhibit and celebrate works by young photographers is integral to Unshuttered in all its forms. An online exhibition showcasing the photographers’ work throughout the program will go live in late June. Such exhibitions provide opportunities to hear directly from young artists while bringing attention to their creativity, the stories they can uniquely tell, and all they can inspire in audiences of all ages.

About Getty Unshuttered

Unshuttered is a photography-based initiative that provides a platform for learning, sharing, and other opportunities for teens, young people, and teachers across the country. Since its inception, Unshuttered has offered a photography intensive program for teens, an app for sharing photographs and skill-building, a nationwide contest for original photographs from young artists, lesson plan resources for high school educators, and exhibitions at Getty and online.

Getty Unshuttered is made possible by Genesis Inspiration Foundation.