LOS ANGELES, CA.- The J. Paul Getty Museum announces the launch of Getty Unshuttered 2.0, an updated version of the photographic community named “New App We Love” by Apple in 2018.

Now available on Android and iOS, Getty Unshuttered 2.0 is a positive community that helps emerging artists improve their portfolios, tell their own stories and explore issues they care about. Users post photographs, earn likes, share work, and inspire others. It’s free to use and ad-free.

With the ability to acquire followers and build and share portfolios, Unshuttered 2.0 fosters a more robust social community. In a few weeks, the app will add opportunities for artists to tackle different levels of challenges, leveling up as they develop photography skills.

Every photo posted to the app between now and June 15 has a chance to be included in the Unshuttered takeover of the Getty Center on June 26, a dramatic multimedia program that will splash the walls of the Getty with the selected artists’ work.

Approximately 10,000 people downloaded the app last year, creating a vibrant community of photographers building their skills. Since its initial launch in 2017, Unshuttered has been honored as a Fast Company World Changing Idea, received a Shorty Social Good Award, and won a gold AVA Digital Award for Educational Mobile App. The app was also recently awarded a Gold MUSE Award at the annual conference of the American Alliance of Museums in New Orleans.

Getty Unshuttered has been generously supported by Genesis Motor America Foundation since its inception in 2017 as part of its commitment to education through the arts. Genesis grants totaling $750,000 have helped to underwrite this innovative arts education program that takes teens on a creative and personal journey to see their world, share their world, and imagine new possibilities for a better world. Program activities include artist mentorships; a pop-up installation at the Getty Museum on view throughout the 2018 summer months and seen by nearly 100,000 visitors; and a celebration of artists that drew more than 1,500 Unshuttered artist participants and their families and friends, and other key members of the Unshuttered community.

"We believe that art can connect people in surprising and constructive ways. Unshuttered 2.0 provides a supportive creative community where it's easy for young artists to engage with ideas and with one another,” said Lisa Clements, assistant director for education, public programs and interpretive content at the Getty Museum.