International Center of Photography is Collecting a ‘Virtual Archive’ of Pandemic Imagery PetaPixel

The International Center of Photography in New York City is putting together a “virtual archive” of the coronavirus pandemic, and they want all photographers—professional and otherwise—to contribute their work to this living archive as a way of fostering community.

The call to action was officially published on March 20rd and shared through the ICP website and Instagram. The organization is asking photographers of all skill levels to share their images and stories that capture life in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“At the International Center of Photography, we know the value of communication in difficult times. We know the value of human life, of wellbeing, and solidarity,” reads the official announcement on the ICP website. “We would love to see what you are creating in this moment. This will function as an imagined community of our voices—speculative, open, and urgent.”

View this post on Instagram

⁣As a community of artists, educators, and supporters of photography and image making, we’d like to see the work you’re creating right now in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Share your images & stories by using #ICPConcerned and we’ll share select images here. Let’s stay connected and continue to build and support our community.💫⠀ ⠀ 📷Elinor Carucci, 'Love in The Time of Corona'⠀ ⠀ #MuseumFromHome #ICPEssex

A post shared by Int'l Center of Photography (@icp) on Mar 20, 2020 at 9:45am PDT

Photographers who are interested in submitting work can either tag their images with #ICPConcerned, or email them directly to the center’s social media team at socialmedia@icp.org. According to The New York Times, a team of 5 curators will review all submissions, and 3 to 6 images will be posted to the official ICP Instagram account each day of the pandemic, with all proper credit attached.

“Show us how you are responding,” writes the organization. “Single images. Photos sequences. Image-text work. Video. Audio. You are invited to share your responses. Together we can continue to build and strengthen our community.”

As of this writing, nearly 3,700 images have been uploaded to Instagram with the hashtag #ICPConcerned, and many more have probably been sent in by email. 27 images have thus far made the cut, appearing the @ICP Instagram account.

If you’d like to contribute, the organization would like to remind you to adhere to all public health guidelines and not take any unnecessary risks in order to capture your submission. Many of the photos sent in thus far were taken from home, or while obviously observing social distancing guidelines and stay-at-home directives.

To learn more or submit your own photography, head over to the ICP website or post your #ICPConcerned photo to Instagram.