My East End is an exciting new photography initiative which invites Londoners to document and celebrate the rich heritage of London’s East End: its people, cultures, domestic and built environments, and open spaces. DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 3RD MAY 2010

The centrepiece is a high-profile, open photography competition to judged by a panel of experts including: Martin Parr, renowned Magnum photographer; Kate Edwards, Picture Editor at Guardian Weekend Magazine; Steven Berkoff, actor, writer and director; and Gilda O’Neill, much-loved East End author.

My East End runs through to summer 2010, with the competition closing on 30 April and Awards ceremony on 1 July 2010. It is led by Bishopsgate Institute, Geffrye Museum, Four Corners and Birkbeck College and is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The competition will bring professional and amateur photographers together alongside local residents, community and school groups to create a collective vision of what this ever-changing and evolving area of London looks like in 2010. It is open to everyone and free to enter. Categories are: Professional; Amateur; Young people aged 12 – 17; and Children aged 4 – 11. Prizes will include high-quality cameras and other photographic supplies provided by lead sponsors Photobox, and camera bags by Billingham.

Whatever their age or experience, all entrants must submit a single image that sums up ‘their East End’. This can include people, places, interiors and exteriors, but all must encompass a personal view of London’s dynamic East End. The competition winner will be the image judged to be the most striking and memorable of all the entries.

Winning and commended images will be announced at an award ceremony on 1 July 2010, and showcased at dedicated exhibitions taking place at the Geffrye Museum and Four Corners, as well as on the My East End website.