New York, NY—Getty Images and iStock launched a joint Creative Accelerator Program. The new initiative is aimed at recruiting and onboarding early to mid-career creators from underrepresented backgrounds and demographics.
Getty Images is a preeminent global visual content creator and marketplace. iStock is an e‑commerce platform that provides visual content to SMBs, SMEs and creatives everywhere.
The two companies have issued an open call for global creators through July 10, 2023, to participate in a one-year intensive program. The program offers industry-led support to amplify underrepresented communities in the content development space. The application period will close on July 10, 2023. Moreover, the program will notify individuals in mid-July of their application status.
“Our contributors are at the heart of the high-quality, differentiated content in our collections. We are committed to bringing diversity behind the lens. Emerging and aspiring creators early on in their careers often find roadblocks with creating success in their business due to major financial restraints and resourcing,” said Claudia Marks, Getty Images and iStock’s head of New Creator Strategy.
“Beyond that, creators from marginalized communities have historically been overlooked and undervalued in the industry, not having the same access and opportunities to grow and flourish in their careers. With this program, we want to help creators navigate these challenges to build a successful portfolio and show them viable career paths as a content creator in today’s world.”
Getty Images and iStock recognize that people of color and those with intersectional identities are underrepresented in photography. Consequently, those creators are particularly encouraged to apply.
Getty Images and iStock Creator’s Program
Are you a photographer, videographer or 3D/CGI artist? Getty Images and iStock are looking for image makers with the creativity, passion and commitment to make successful fully model and property released imagery. (That is, commercial imagery.) Furthermore, the two companies will help 50 specially selected applicants to become contributors to grow their commercial portfolio and have their works seen by millions of global customers.
The program will follow a one-year curriculum. It will guide creators through various milestones to learn all facets of creative content along with the wider stock industry to help accelerate their career. You can apply here.
Successful applicants will receive support from leading creative and photographic teams across Getty Images and iStock. In addition, they will garner ongoing financial incentives for content creation. The program will also provide access to global research and data to learn how to create effective commercial content. 
However, applicants must have 5+ years of professional experience focused in creative and commercial work. Or they must have a small to mid-size creative content business. They must be focused on learning about building a commercial portfolio across stills, video or 3D/CGI imagery. Of course, they must have an interest in the stock business/licensing as well as commit to growing their presence on Getty Images’ and iStock’s websites.
Program Details
The program seeks to empower new creators from various creative disciplines, such as photography, filmmaking and 3D imagery. It will support and mentor applicants who are passionate about storytelling and content creation.
What’s more, successful applicants will receive a $500 signing bonus. They will also have ongoing opportunities for financial aid toward their content creation. 
The program is tailored with exclusive guidance to fast‑track knowledge of how creative content works. Program participants will receive dedicated support from Getty Images as well as iStock Creative teams and creator-to-creator networking.
It will also provide portfolio development and exposure across a global audience through internal and external promotions. Additionally, the program will offer an opportunity to shoot for global brands through Getty Images and iStock Custom Content offering.
To learn more and apply, click here.
