Feel the Power of Photography at FotoWeek DC
by Chrysoula Economopoulos
Washington is gearing up for FotoWeek DC 2009 (www.fotoweekdc.org), a week-long festival running from November 7-14, 2009 that will showcase the art of photography at numerous locations throughout the city. In its second year running, FotoWeek DC has already become one of the largest international photography festivals in the world.
The non-profit organization behind the festival – synonymously known as FotoWeek DC – was founded in 2008 “to celebrate the power of photography.” The organization has capitalized on Washington’s unique position as a magnet for talented photographers and a host for important collections of photography.
The result last year was a resoundingly successful festival that welcomed upwards of 20,000 people to the Nation’s Capital. In addition to 71 exhibitions throughout the city at galleries, embassies, and even projected onto building façades, FotoWeek DC 2009 will also present 36 lectures, 34 openings and receptions, as well as 31 workshops and reviews of photographic work.
NightGallery DC will project images onto building façades - this image from last year's festival. Photo Credit: Paul Fetters Courtesy of FotoWeek DC.
Best of all – the great majority of these events are free and open to all who register (Free Registration for entrance to FotoWeek DC events).
FotoWeek DC Launch Party
With such a great selection to choose from, why not kick off FotoWeek DC with the opening night launch party on November 6 (6:30p.m. to late) to orient yourself and get a taste for what the week ahead has in store? Tickets are $15 in advance (register and pay online), $20 at the door.
The launch party centers around FotoWeek Central, the nucleus of all exhibits and programs throughout the city. The five locations which comprise FotoWeek Central are all within walking distance of each other in the heart of lively Georgetown.
During the launch party, attendees can catch a first glimpse of work from winners and finalists for the FotoWeek DC Awards competition and the Youth Contest, and a number of other exhibitions (see highlights by location below).
To set the mood, DJ Donald Syriani will be spinning an international mix of beats at FotoWeek Central 1 (3338 M Street NW), while guests can mingle with participating photographers and other attendees. If last year was any indication, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and lively conversation were all plentiful.
The five locations below which comprise FotoWeek Central are all open during the launch party:
Bird's eye view from last year's launch party. Photo Credit: Paul Fetters Courtesy of FotoWeek DC.
FotoWeek Central 1 (3338 M Street NW)
This is the main hub of all festival activity. View the 2009 Awards exhibition, the DC Youth Contest exhibition, exhibitions featuring images from the United States and Northern Uganda, NightGallery DC with images projected on the building’s façade, an autochrome display from National Geographic’s immense photo archives, and much more.
FotoWeek Central 2 (3306 M Street NW)
View the “My Cuba” and the “InsideOutside: New Images from Russia” exhibitions, both curated by Pulitzer Prize winner photographer and FotoWeek DC curator Lucian Perkins.
FotoWeek Central 3 (3307-D M Street NW)
In the “Iraqi Voices” exhibition, ten renowned photographers put a face to the people of Iraq. The “Brother’s Keeper” exhibition highlights people who have endured intolerable conditions, encouraging the audience to “take greater responsibility to ensure that the conditions under which our fellow citizens live are humane on all levels.”
FotoWeek Central 4 (3333 M Street NW)
This location presents “Flash Forward 2009,” featuring the work of top-ranked emerging photographers from Canada, the UK and the US for a juried contest. Also on view is an exhibition of recently-released photographic books.
FotoWeek Central 5 (1209 31st Street NW)
The “Eyes of History” exhibition showcases award-winning photojournalism images selected by the White House News Photographers Association (WHNPA).
Additional Weekend Tips:
Official Opening Reception: Check out the official opening reception on November 7 at the House of Sweden (2900 K Street NW, Washington). The event is co-hosted by the American Film Institute and features “What Lies Beneath: Nature & Urban Landscape in EU Photography.”
NightVisions: For the hidden photographer in you, jump on board for the NightVisions all-night photo shoot. From 6:00p.m. on November 7 to 6:00am on November 8, participants can “shoot the city, people, your neighborhood, whatever you choose” with a digital camera. Then go to FotoWeek Central 1 to download your photos. Nationally-recognized photo editors, art directors and gallery curators will select one image from your shoot for display on location.
