Open call for the USk Reportage Grant Program 2024

Lines that speak: the power of visual storytelling

Sketching has a unique way of slowing us down, allowing for a deeper observation and a personal interpretation of the world unfolding around us. It’s a powerful tool for storytelling, connecting us to the stories and events of our surroundings. That’s why, in 2021, we introduced the USK Reportage Grant, aimed at highlighting the storytelling potential of sketching, a core aspect of the USk Mission.

We’re thrilled to present the results of our second edition. 10 artists embarked on a special journey to tell a story. These stories take us inside the French Parliament, to New Villages in Malaysia (or are they old?), to extreme heat in Saudi Arabia, and further. They confront us with lessons to be learnt from our history, heritage and other cultures: how to manage heat, the importance of water management systems, collective action and the consequences of war.

We thank all of the artists of the 2023 edition of the USK Reportage Grant: Marielle Durand, Gan Aaron, Matthew Gibbons, Émilie Goulet, Niki Groom, Kristina Matveeva, Manish Pimpley, Amanda Roelle, Irena Spector and Niloufer Wadia. Some of these being veteran sketchers, some of them fresh in their journey, yet all of them have given this project their best. They tell unique stories from all around the world. Seeing them come together is a true privilege.

What do these projects have in common? They all embody personal engagement, cultural exploration, and a narrative element that draws viewers into the heart of the story. Whether through emotional connections, valuable lessons, or unique artistic choices, each reportage offers a fresh perspective on the world around us.

Some of these projects serve as powerful vehicles for social commentary, shedding light on pressing issues such as environmental degradation, urban development, and social inequality. Others tell a more personal story of growth through their environment. Through their art, the artists offer a unique perspective on these issues, inviting us to reflect on the world around us and our role in it.

It is thrilling and inspiring to see these diverse stories come together, showcasing the beauty and complexity of our global community. As urban sketchers, we’re grateful for the opportunity to share these reportages and hope they encourage you to pick up your sketchbook and embark on your own visual storytelling journey. Maybe you’ll even apply for the 2024 USK Reportage Grant edition?