Our story and evolution

About us

Our story and evolution

The Jimmy Nelson Foundation was established in 2016 with the aim of giving back to the Indigenous communities featured in Jimmy Nelson’s photographic works – serving as a platform to amplify their voices and allow them to share their own stories.

One of the earliest projects, ‘As They Pass By – Walls of Connection‘ (2016-2017), was a collaboration with MasterPeace. It brought together four Indigenous communities in Latin America to create murals in local neighbourhoods, promoting unity through artistic expression.

Another project, the ‘Circle of Cultural Connection’, was developed in 2018. It involved organising small groups of volunteers to visit Indigenous communities worldwide and document diverse cultures through the eyes of the Indigenous peoples. This project included involvement from communities such as the Inti Raymi in Peru, the Hadzabe in Tanzania, and the Csikós in Hungary, among others, along with various cultural festivals.

'As They Pass By – Walls of Connection' in collaboration with MasterPeace and Eduard Kobra

In 2019, the Foundation launched its reciprocity program, “Give-Back,” in collaboration with local non-governmental organisations (NGOs). These projects address the specific needs and priorities of each community, reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to fostering sustainable initiatives. Additionally, the Foundation recognised its potential as an online repository for Indigenous knowledge and wisdom. It thus established the “Cult-ED” education program, a free online platform allowing Indigenous peoples to present their cultures and traditions through their own stories. Narrated firsthand by community members interviewed during Jimmy Nelson’s travels, Cult-ED prioritises authentic voices, challenging traditional education by cultivating a more inclusive vocabulary and culturally sensitive language.

Volunteers Jeroen, Pam & Zsolt interviewing a member of the Csikós in Hungary, 2018 for the 'Circle of Cultural Connection' project

Ultimately, the Foundation's goal is to become a platform that amplifies Indigenous voices and ensures their active involvement in shaping the educational resources that represent their heritage.