Worldwide call to preserve global cultural heritage by portraying the world’s last indigenous cultures in all their glory
Planet Earth is at risk of losing the cultural identities of the many of the world’s most unique indigenous people. This is a global issue and a result of many escalating factors, including industrialization, globalization and cultural saturation led by the increasing predominance of the internet. Together this sees a homogenization and westernization of the originally diverse cultures of this world.
Jimmy Nelson has made it his life’s work to attain understanding and respect for the world’s indigenous cultures through his photography. He presents these cultures in an aspirational and stylized way – which has previously caused some controversy amongst anthropologists and purists. However, Nelson believes that the beautification of indigenous cultures is an important message for greater humanity – and one that is needed now more than ever. Today, in a bid to help safeguard a part of what Nelson sees as the very essence of all of our humanity, he is taking a stand by issuing a worldwide caution.
Our world is changing rapidly. Through this inevitable process, the world’s cultural colours are fading and extraordinary knowledge is on the brink of being lost. Therefore, it is important to encourage people to find pride in their cultural heritage and celebrate diversity, for now and generations to come.
UNESCO director Irina Bokova calls cultural diversity: “the promise of renewal and dynamism, and an engine of innovation and development.” In the world of today, original and traditional knowledge of indigenous societies can contribute to the planet’s modern vision on technology, science, medicine and provide outstanding examples of sustainable living.
Therefore we enable photography projects that promote positive visibility and appreciation for indigenous cultures. In this way, we can show the world the great value that cultural heritage holds.
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“If we let the cultural identity of the indigenous people disappear now, it will be lost forever. It’s literally a case of BLINK and they’re gone. And if this happens, we will lose one of the most valuable assets we have – our rich human cultural diversity and heritage. The depth and wealth of our humanity will shrink. This must not happen. Our collective cultural identity is too valuable to be destroyed by homogenization. We must unify and fight to support indigenous cultures and take personal pride in the myriad of their cultural traditions that are still to be found on the planet today.”
Join us on this journey and help us empower indigenous cultural expression, by creating a documentary of traditions, stories and faces before our world has forever change.
In February we will have our second project of “Circles of Cultural Connection”. In nowhere else than in… Tanzania. This time we will be exploring the Hadzabe or Hadza tribe. In order to get to know them better, we will be living together with this indigenous group. What makes this visit even ...
18 December, 2018
We want to know what holidays do you celebrate in December and how you celebrate them. For this reason we have created a fun contest! Share your holidays’ celebrations with us and get a chance to be featured on our social media… Plus we will select a winning photo 🏆 the winner will receive a set of ...
13 December, 2018
Have you ever felt the urge to join Jimmy Nelson? Are you passionate about indigenous cultures, photography/videography, travel, and adventure? Then, we are looking for you! The Jimmy Nelson Foundation has opened its new round of applications for the project-year of 2019-2020. For every project year...
13 December, 2018
September was an exciting month filled with activities in the JNF’s hometown, Amsterdam. We had the chance to be present in two important book launch events of “Homage to Humanity” by Jimmy Nelson, be partners with Nikon for its “Jimmy Nelson NPS Masterclass” event, and host our very own first two e...
29 October, 2018The Jimmy Nelson Foundation documents cultural festivals and gatherings through the eyes of indigenous people. We finance projects worldwide that give indigenous cultures a platform to share their stories and promote pride, celebration, and positive self-image.
With your contribution you foster an appreciation for cultural diversity and help to connect people from different cultures to learn from each other’s knowledge.
Become a Friend of the Jimmy Nelson Foundation or Donate.
The Jimmy Nelson Foundation projects take place in cultural festivals and gatherings around the globe, with the aim of documenting the world’s last indigenous cultures from their own personal perspective.
Our mission is to record the pride that lies beneath these diverse peoples which will bring us back together and form a basis of mutual respect, and understanding for all humanity.
Have you ever felt the urge to join Jimmy Nelson? Are you passionate about indigenous cultures, photography, and traveling? Then, we are looking for you!
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Subscribe to the mailing list to keep up with updates from the Jimmy Nelson Foundation.
And don’t worry... we don’t like spam either
