Dear Guerrilla Photo Group:
I am now in my fifth year of conducting Guerrilla Photo Group. We have been recognized as "One of Albuquerque's Best Arts Events" by the Alibi for two years running. We have been credited by numerous photographers, models and MUA's as the "launchpad" for their careers. I believe GPG it is a valuable contribution to the photographic community (and the broader artistic community at large.) Consequently, I'm very motivated personally to sustain it, and intend to do so for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately though, GPG seems to have has wandered from it's mission. It is an extremely heavy burden on my studio space, gear, time and pocket-book. It has recently embodied too-little focus on the task at hand (photography) and too much focus on peripheral social activity. Additionally, recent complaints about the event and it's format have brought several other issues to light. Essentially, GPG must reduce its footprint in all of these areas. It must return to being the community-oriented "photographic creative collaborative" that was originally envisioned. As a group, it must be sensitive to its neighbors, self supporting, self sustaining and artistically productive.
Naturally, I blame no one but myself for GPG's "drift" away from its purpose. I have been far too passive in the management and structure of my event, opting instead to allow it the luxury of structuring itself organically. As of today, I will expect everyone who would like to continue reap the benefits of GPG to also make fair contributions of their time, energy (or other resources) to the collaborative. Hopefully, this message will clarify a number of things, including this new set of expectations. As a rationale for the new paradigm I'll reiterate the MISSION of GPG and share some details about what is required "behind the scenes" to make it happen. Second, I hope to communicate the situation regarding the building and surrounding property. Lastly, I will be instituting some new rules and a modified format.
