Laura Pressley
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Laura Pressley
Laura Pressley is a Certified Executive Director who has been at the helm of CENTER in Santa Fe for 10 years. She directs one of the most effective outcome-driven programs for photographers in the world, CENTER’s annual juried photographic portfolio review event, the Review Santa Fe Photo Festival.
CENTER is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization (NGO) known for the long-standing programs, including the Review Santa Fe Photo Festival, Project Grants, and other offerings that have launched dozens of photographers’ careers. In addition to high impact, outcome driven programs, CENTER fosters an esteemed network of professionals that includes book publishers, curators, editors, gallerists, and many of today’s leading thinkers in imaging.
Pressley has curated or produced exhibitions, including The Dispossessed (2016), The Frontier (2016), Immigration, Migration & Evolving Boundaries (2015) and most recently produced the exhibitions Art & Oppression (2017), and Conjured Futures (2018), working collaboratively with partner venues and festivals.
She is frequently invited to participate in photography fairs and festivals around the globe as a portfolio reviewer, including the Rencontres d’ Arles (France), Cortona on the Move (Italy), and Mt. Rokko International Photography Festival (Japan). Furthermore, she interprets and presents on contemporary photographic practice via workshops and seminars, serves on several judging panels, and is a nominator for photographic awards and distinctions.
In addition to CENTER, Pressley serves on the Board of Directors for the Blue Earth Alliance based in Seattle, WA. She is the founder of the Photographic Non-profit Leaders Association identifying best practices in the field and advocating for fair pay for artists.
Portrait: © Gabriella Marks