Kickstarter x Photography

Since 2018, Chaï Chaï represents Kickstarter in France and Europe.

The beginning of this story started with a partnership aimed to support young photographers: students of the Arles Photography School (ENSP).

“Premier rayon” by Aude Carleton

We launched a call for projects within the school, in association with Paris Airports and Mouvement magazine. Five laureates were selected to get coaching in developing a Kickstarter campaign and to have their project promoted once completed.

Aude’s two photos in Paris-Orly Airport

Following this successful experience, we approached Polka Magazine to widen the scope of candidates. In 2020, 2021 and 2022 – with a focus on self-publishing in the last two editions – we supported 15 new photographers.

Triptych by Siouzie Albiach, exhibited on the Saint Jacques Tower’ gates in Paris (Kickstarter x Polka 2020)
Simon Gasquet’s book project (Kickstarter x Polka 2021)

At each edition, the winners are chosen by a prestigious jury from the photography community: Sébastien Ruiz (director of Agnès b. funds), Marion Hislen (former-representative for the photo at the Ministry of Culture), Arantxa Vaillant (head of Communications and Sponsorship at the Jeu de Paume), Clara Chalou, Emmanuelle Halkin, Claire Pathé et Delphine Rodet (curators at Circulations festival), etc.

In total, these crowdfunding campaigns have raised 135’974€ from 1620 contributors!