Dive into Creativity at the Athens Photo Festival 2024
A Celebration of Diversity, Creativity, and Critical Thinking
The Athens Photo Festival, a beacon of visual culture, continues its enduring mission to promote diversity, creativity, and critical engagement with photography in all its manifestations. With an expanded lineup, the festival offers a dynamic platform for the exchange of ideas and a deep dive into the multifaceted world of contemporary photography.
Event Dates: 6 June – 28 July 2024
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable summer! The Athens Photo Festival opens its doors from June 6th to July 28th, 2024, featuring a rich tapestry of photographic art from around the globe. This year, the main events will be housed at the Benaki Museum / Pireos 138, with additional community-focused exhibitions scattered throughout the city.
Opening Night Extravaganza on June 6th
Join us for the grand opening on June 6th at 8:00 PM at the Benaki Museum / Pireos 138. The inauguration will feature a stunning array of works by 72 artists from 28 countries. Spanning 3,000 square meters, the Main Exhibitions promise a broad spectrum of contemporary photography, from groundbreaking newcomers to seasoned professionals.
Plan Your Visit
The festival’s main program, hosted at the Benaki Museum / Pireos 138, is complemented by 20 satellite exhibitions across Athens. This city-wide engagement invites both locals and visitors to immerse themselves in diverse photographic narratives, fostering a community of shared cultural experiences.
Exciting Events and Initiatives
Portfolio Reviews
The Portfolio Reviews offer a valuable opportunity for photographers to present their work to an esteemed panel of 20 international experts. This includes festival directors, curators, publishers, critics, and editors, all eager to provide feedback and foster connections. This initiative not only promotes artistic development but also helps photographers navigate their professional journeys.
Lab:1 – Photography as a Relational Practice
This innovative lab invites participants to rethink the “event of photography.” Over four days, attendees will explore the physical, material, historical, and affective dimensions of photography under the guidance of Alejandro Acín, Max Pinckers, and Natasha Christia. This experimental workshop promises to deepen participants’ understanding of photography as a relational and dynamic practice.
Lab:2 – Sculpting Narratives
Led by photographers Myrto Papadopoulos, Alexandra Rose Howland, and curator Cloé Kerhoas Özmen, this intensive five-day workshop focuses on the documentary genre. Participants will engage in hands-on learning, developing their projects through collaborative group work, intimate sessions, and personalized guidance. This immersive experience aims to refine the storytelling capabilities of each participant.
Additional Highlights
Book Awards Ceremony
This year, the festival enhances its focus on photobooks with the introduction of book awards, insightful talks, and a curated exhibition. This initiative celebrates the art of the photobook, recognizing outstanding works and fostering discussions about this unique medium.
Artist Talks
Engage with the minds behind the masterpieces. Invited artists will share their processes, artistic practices, and the inspirations driving their work. These talks provide a deeper understanding of contemporary photography and the narratives it explores.
Performing the Exhibition
Experimentation is at the heart of this year’s program, with a unique exploration of the intersection between performance and photography. This hybrid approach offers fresh perspectives and innovative ways of experiencing photographic art.
Mediation Program
This program offers interactive guided tours and workshops designed to bring visitors closer to the festival’s exhibitions. Through participative approaches, attendees can gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the featured works.
A Legacy of Innovation
For over 35 years, the Athens Photo Festival has been at the forefront of visual culture, continually evolving to embrace new ideas, forms, voices, and visions. While the festival honors its rich history, it remains steadfastly focused on future innovations and the continuous exploration of contemporary photography.
Conclusion
The Athens Photo Festival 2024 promises to be an enriching and exhilarating experience, offering something for everyone—from seasoned photographers to curious newcomers. Whether you are there to engage with cutting-edge photographic art, participate in insightful workshops, or simply enjoy the vibrant cultural atmosphere, this festival is not to be missed.
For more information on events, tickets, and schedules, visit the official website of the Athens Photo Festival. Join us in celebrating the power and beauty of photography this summer in Athens!
