Introduction

The Sicily Photo Masterclass (SPM) is an intensive, week-long photo-retreat designed for photographers seeking to bridge the gap between their personal practice and concrete outlets for their work.

Set against the idyllic landscape of rural Sicily at Case Mollica, the programme combines immersive group tutorials, in-depth individual mentoring, and open discussions on contemporary photographic practices.

Since its inception, the SPM has established a global reputation for excellence, hosting a legacy of world-renowned tutors, including Martin Parr, David Campany, Emma Bowkett, Hélène Binet, Tim Clark, Lucy Conticello, and Aaron Schuman, among others.

In 2022, thanks to the enthusiasm and kindness of some SPM alumni, the Scholarship Fund was established to award, each year, two grants to students and young photographers from diverse backgrounds. The program has given invaluable support and contributed to the personal and professional growth of new talents in photography.

More than a workshop, the SPM is a creative incubator where participants delve into long-term storytelling, refine their visual voice, and gain the strategic insights necessary to navigate the contemporary photographic market.

The full-board Masterclass is graced by freshly prepared Sicilian cuisine, prepared by Mimi’s sister, Paola, who passionately sources all the ingredients locally to offer a truly authentic culinary experience.

Since 2018, the SPM has encouraged participants to contribute to The Valley collective project, curated and directed by documentary photographer Mimi Mollica.
The work produced by the participants of the Sicily Photo Masterclass is displayed on our website and promoted throughout social media channels, exhibitions and in the near future in a physical publication. The project comprises different chapters: Fracture, Gravity and Threshold, each representing various stages of the legacy of the earthquake that devastated the surrounding area of the Belice Valley in 1968.