2011 Awards

On Friday 22nd July, the third annual International Street Paper Awards took place in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow, during INSP's 16th annual conference. The event celebrated the substantial impact of street papers as independent social media and promoted the core values of the street paper movement to build a more equal and just world.

2011 INSP Award winners

Photo: Dimitri Koutsomytis

The 2011 winners:

Best Feature Story: Writing for social impact
‘The Resolute Shepherd’ -Jacob Ripple-Carpenter (Denver VOICE, USA)
In Colorado, agricultural workers from Latin America who come to the US in search of a better life, often face a situation close to slavery under the rules of the ‘H-2A’ visa program. This thorough investigation follows the journey of a former shepherd, turned activist. He is determined to fight against the poor treatment of his former colleagues who receive incredibly low wages, never have a single day off and live in terrible conditions.

Best Cover: Making a statement on the street
‘Social benefits body scanner’ - Florian Holter and Walter Hartl (Kupfermuckn, Austria)
Picturing a semi-naked man holding a list of his welfare benefits, this striking cover criticises the Austrian government for exposing the privacy of its citizens by making its social benefits database public.

Best Interview: A spotlight on change-makers
‘Fighting back’ - Jose Espinosa (One Step Away, USA)
Matthew Saad Muhammad, once a boxing light heavyweight world champion, arrived at Philadelphia’s main homeless shelter after losing his home and suffering economic hardship. Nicknamed ‘Miracle Matthew’ for his many dramatic comebacks in the ring, he is now staging an impressive comeback from homelessness. When he decided it was time to talk about his experiences, he gave this exclusive interview to reporter Jose Espinosa, himself a resident of the shelter.

Best Photograph - Evoking deeper perspectives on poverty and injustice
‘Trapped Nations’ - Andy Spyra (Asphalt, Germany)
This powerful photograph draws attention to the separation of two worlds. Just a few hundred metres separate young Palestinians from Bethlehem, but the Israeli wall that cuts through Palestine, results in mile long detours.

Best Vendor Essay - A fresh perspective from the street
‘Before the cold hurts...’ - Sebastião Nicomedes (OCAS, Brasil)
The best gift Sebastião Nicomedes ever received was a blanket – given to him by a journalist who was shocked by the cold that homeless people in São Paulo had to endure. “The cold drives you mad, makes you ill, and humiliates you” he says. In this heartbreaking essay, he talks about his experiences living on the streets and a defining moment in his life when one of his friends was found dead after a particularly frosty night.

Best Design - Affecting change through visual content
Joint Winners
‘2010 Year Book’ - Juuni Elisabeth Wathne (Megafon, Norway)
This special annual uses a subtle and elegant design which highlights Megafon’s role as a trustworthy and sober voice, informing and educating its readers.
‘Annie Lennox issue’ - Mark Neil and team (The Big Issue in Scotland / Wales)
The Big Issue’s vibrant, colourful design aims to appeal to passers-by and convey the feel of an irreverent but informed and intelligent publication.

Special Award for External Press: Advocating for the needs and rights of homeless people
‘Hiding from death’ - Alderson Costa (O Trecheiro, São Paulo, Brazil)
In 2010, 31 homeless people were murdered in Maceió, Brazil – 10% of the city’s street population. This article outlines the negligence of the authorities in the aftermath and paints a picture of hopelessness among the city’s homeless, who have little hope of escaping the vicious circle of violence, drug addiction and poverty. The author calls for changes to a system which is set up to let these people die – whether it be through murder, starvation or exhaustion.

2011 Award for Outstanding Contribution to the International Street Paper Movement
L'Itinéraire, Canada
L’Itinéraire, based in Montréal, Canada, was launched in 1994 to support homeless people, to provide a tool for rehabilitation and address prejudice. L’Itinéraire prides itself on principles of respect and equality and also places great importance on the integrity, creativity and dynamism of its staff team. The enterprising and pioneering approach of the organisation, and its strong links with individuals, funders and government, has led to financial health and massive growth over the past decade. As Chairman of INSP since 2006, L’Itinéraire’s Director, Serge Lareault, has also been instrumental in the development of INSP as a network. Through its many projects, L’Itinéraire has been an inspiration to street papers around the world and INSP is delighted for this opportunity to recognise its valuable contribution to the street paper movement.

A special edition of the INSP's independent news service - the Street News Service (SNS) - was published on Monday 25th July, dedicated to the awards finalists.  Written submissions are available both in their original language and with full English translations.  Visual submissions, including photographs and campaign covers are also viewable. Visit: www.streetnewsservice.org

2011 Judging Panel

  • David Schlesinger - Editor-in-Chief, Reuters
  • David Burnett - Photojournalist
  • Ferial Haffajee - Editor-in-Chief, City Press, SA
  • Tom Thompson - Group Managing Editor, The Herald & Times Group
  • Sanjay Suri - Editor-in-Chief, Inter Press Service
  • Simon Esterton - Esterson Associates / Art Director, Eye Magazine

To read more about the judging panel click here.