Applications to participate in the 14th Bamako Meeting, African Photography Biennale are open.
The African Photography Biennale, Rencontres de Bamako, was established in 1994 and has since grown to become the premier international event featuring African photography and video on the continent. After 30 years of existence and 14 editions, it has become a must-attend event in the world of contemporary art.
The selected theme this year will center on KUMA, speech, silence, and noise. It stands on the notion that photographs can communicate ideas, feelings, and messages through their images. A picture can tell a thousand stories. It transmits feelings, concepts, and messages by using the lighting, framing, or staging to capture the essence of the moment. Because of this genius, photographers can make an image speak. Bringing the past to life through photography speaks; it remains the enduring witness of a present conjugated with the future, the remembrance of a moment, an era, and a gesture for all eternity.
New voices are being heard all across the world these days. Alteration in tone or language, nature compels us to give it voice. The 14th Bamako Encounters invites artists to explore new forms, experiment with dialogues in between word and image, and give visual existence to moments of speech, eloquence, anger, hope, recollection, silence, cacophony, and noise.
Entries to be submitted through the online application form.
Submission deadline: March 31, 2024
Submissions must include
- the completed application form
- a brief biography and a detailed curriculum vitae
- a portrait of the artist and a high-resolution passport photo
- a scanned copy of the passport
- 5 high-resolution images (300 dpi for 30×50 cm) of recent works with their technical specifications
Optionally, a zip file containing the video files (5 max.) with a maximum volume of 2 GB, in h.264 and between 30 and 50 FPS with a minimum resolution of HD (1920 x 1080) and/or web links to the online videos.
Please include a document describing installation options for online photography/video projects (including technical requirements, e.g. short-throw projector, mac mini, iPad touch, speakers, etc.). - Artists may submit multiple series and apply in both fields (photography/video).
File naming: surname_first name_title_series.
Send your files (photos or videos) in a single zip folder. File name: surname_first name.zip. - A note of intent presenting the series and/or video works, in French or English, in PDF or word format, 5 pages maximum, containing a clear and concise description of the proposal. In the case of a specific installation, please include images to allow visualizing the project.
- The applicant’s portfolio (optional)
Artists certify that the works submitted are original creations and guarantee that they do not infringe on protected works. Only submissions meeting these conditions will be considered.
SELECTION
Projects will be evaluated on the basis of their artistic quality and relevance. The final selection of artists will be communicated by email during the month of May 2024 and posted on the website.
The selection committee, chaired by the artistic director, is made up of the Biennal’s associate curators and artistic advisors. Their decision is final and without appeal.
Registration is free of charge. Selected artists are invited to attend the Biennal’s professional days, with airfare, visa and accommodation expenses covered.
For additional information, please contact: rencontresbamako14@gmail.com (at least 5 days before the closing date of the call).
