2026 CATCHLIGHT VISUAL STORYTELLING SUMMIT
The CatchLight Visual Storytelling Summit returns as an annual gathering of photographers, journalists, artists, and cultural leaders committed to advancing the role of images in shaping how we understand the world. Taking place on the eve of World Press Freedom Day, the Summit convenes an international community at the forefront of visual storytelling today.
The day-long program explores how visual storytelling can illuminate urgent issues, deepen empathy, and foster meaningful dialogue. Through hands-on workshops, main-stage conversations, and shared moments of reflection, the Summit creates space for creative exchange at a pivotal moment for visual media.
A central highlight of this year’s Summit is award-winning conflict photographer Lynsey Addario. Recently named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2026, Addario is internationally recognized for her fearless and deeply human work covering war, humanitarian crises, and the lives of women around the world. Her closing remarks will offer a powerful reflection on the responsibilities and possibilities of visual storytelling in an increasingly complex global landscape.
The Summit will start with workshops and breakout sessions in the morning, covering Digital Security, photojournalism ethics, visual trust-building, and content creation, led by industry leaders including Pablo Circa, Adriana Lacy, Reyhaneh Maktoufi, Ximena Natera, Tara Pixley, and Judy Walgren. Guiding the day’s program is Summit emcee Pendarvis Harshaw, an Oakland-raised writer who has spent two decades chronicling arts and culture, politics, and the lives of extraordinary people. In the afternoon, the summit will feature main-stage presentations by innovators in visual storytelling, including Demetri Broxton, mixed media artist and Executive Director of Root Division; Tierney Gearon, contemporary photographer; Adam/n Perez, CatchLight 2025 Global Fellow; Michael Indriolo, photographer and CatchLight Local Fellow at Signal Cleveland; Ellen Schmidt, visual journalist and CatchLight Local Fellow at MinnPost; Kevin Wurm, photojournalist and CatchLight Local Fellow at MLK50; and, Lynsey Addario. The program will end with a reception offering attendees space to connect and reflect.
During the Summit, the 2026 CatchLight Global Fellows will be unveiled. They will each be awarded a $30,000 grant for their visual excellence, generosity of spirit, and commitment to making an impact through their work.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to view the exhibition Portrait of America, featuring work by CatchLight Local partners, a visual journalism initiative placing photojournalists in local newsrooms to document diverse, everyday American stories.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3599627-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3599627-2
