OPEN CALL: Photography Mentorship

Ready to grow your photography practice and connect with fellow creatives? Melkweg Expo presents Class of Coco, a six-month programme for emerging photographers looking to deepen their work and take the next professional step in a collaborative, inclusive, and inspiring environment. 

Deadline: 31st of May

Meet your mentor: Coco Olakunle
Coco Olakunle is a Nigerian-Dutch photographer based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. She is an autodidact photographer who celebrates the beauty and diversity of young people in subcultures around the globe. Her work is a crossover between documentary and fashion.

About Melkweg Expo
Melkweg Expo is an exhibition space for contemporary photography and a platform for emerging artists, located in the heart of Amsterdam.

What to expect
During the programme, you’ll develop new work to be presented in a two-week group exhibition from 7 November until 7 December at Melkweg Expo. To support this process, you’ll take part in three in-depth meetups (approx. 1.5 hours each) led by photographer Coco Olakunle. These sessions focus on portfolio development, peer feedback, and conceptual growth, all within a safe and collaborative learning space. Next to the set mentor-sessions we will organize extra field excursions. Participants will receive a max of 250 euros of reimbursement of expenses. 

Sessions

1. Portfolio Development, Techniques and Visual Language 

• Building a cohesive portfolio
• Defining a personal artistic identity through imagery, including ethical considerations
• Enhancing visual language through photographic techniques 

2. Professional Practice and Collaboration 

• Navigating the art world, including gallery sales, project funding, and sustainable careers 
• Building networks and branding
• Co-creation and interdisciplinary approaches 

3. Exhibition Design, Mentorship & Career Building 

• Curating and installing work, use of space, and public presentation 
• Transitioning from development to professionalization, receiving critique, and building resilience

Who can apply

• You speak and understand Dutch
• You are either self-taught with up to five years of experience, or you graduated from a photography/art program in 2022, 2023, or 2024. You are based in the Netherlands and ready to commit to the full program duration.  
• You’re eager to push your work further – both conceptually and professionally – and you’re excited to share your journey in a supportive group context. 
• You value collective growth, want to reflect critically on your practice, and are open to learning from peers and mentors alike. 
• You are available from June to December 2025 for all sessions, as well as the preparation and installation of the final exhibition. (Exact times and dates will be shared during the selection process.)  

Timeline
You are available from June to December 2025 for all sessions, as well as the preparation and installation of the final exhibition. (Exact times and dates will be shared during the selection process.)  

• First Mentor Meeting –  26th of June, 10:00am to 12:00pm.  
• Second Mentor Meeting  – 10th of September, 10:00am to 12:00pm.  
• Third Mentor Meeting – 8th of October, 10:00am to 12:00pm.   
• Exhibition Preparation – October and November. 
• Exhibition – November/December

How to apply
Submit single PDF of the following documents to marta@melkweg.nl with subject: “Class of Coco 2025 Application – Name”:

• Motivation Letter (max 1 A4):  Share who you are and you’re interests and tell us about your practice (highlighting themes, subjects, techniques, or methods), what you’ll bring to the Class of Coco group, set a goal or intention for your time in the program. 
• Portfolio: Include a selection of recent work that reflects your artistic practice. 
• CV: Provide a brief overview of your education and/or experience.

Fleurie Kloostra, Marta Camagna and Coco Olakunle will choose 10 participants based on motivation, artistic voice, and the potential for growth within a collective setting. The selected participants will be announced mid June. Feedback on applications can be provided upon request.

This program is made possible with support from Mondriaan Fonds, Amsterdam Fund of the Arts, Pictoright Fund and Rabo ClubSupport.