Under the patronage of the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP) Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) is organising the Emirates Photography Competition (EPC) 2012 – the seventh in this annual series. Deadline to participate is September 30th, 2012.
EPC aimed at developing photography within the United Arab Emirates by attracting as many photographers as possible, whether amateur or professional and nurturing their talents. The competition programme includes specialised workshops, interactive meetings, seminars as well as solo and collective exhibitions inside and outside the country. The EPC also encourages the comprehensive acquisition and publication of photographic works.
As one of the Middle East’s most renowned photographic events, the EPC invites submission of outstanding works of different artistic styles. All participating works must respect performance values and standards of photographic art, as well as FIAP rules.
Each year the competition has a main ‘theme.’ There are also four additional themes, and also a special category for young talent to showcase their work.
This year, EPC pays tribute to Iraqi photographer Murad Al-Daghistani (1917-1982), who was a leading photographer in contemporary Arab photography. Daghistani’s work captures the everyday life of his subjects and some creative portraits of the people he encountered. Throughout his career he brought together a modernist view of the world, and captured the cultural values of those around him reflecting the beginning of contemporary Arab photography.
This year’s ‘Cultural Reflections’ competition theme focuses on Daghistani’s work and is a tribute to the importance of his photographic research and study.
The competition also continues to feature the Noor Ali Rashed Award which is given to the best Emirati photographer for work that highlights UAE environmental and cultural symbols.
Noor Ali Rashed (1929 – 2010) was a leading UAE figure in photographic art, who through his work contributed to the documentation of the life within Emirati society, and its ruling families.
EPC will also give an award for the best photographic collection from participants in the Arab world. A FIAP Gold Medal will be given to each of the best five participating photographers. There will also be an award for the best five groups from international photography associations and clubs in recognition of the supporting role they play in developing the cultural movement of photography.
For the first time, there will be a ‘Fine Arts in Photography’ award which consists of three gold medals for the best works that present modern innovative ideas that contribute to developing photography.
The EPC believes in the inclusive nature of art and its timeless ability to unite the interests and creativity of human beings everywhere, as well as the ability of photography to facilitate interaction and communication amongst people.
