On October 17, the China Photography Association hosted a press conference for the 19th International Photography Art Exhibition in Beijing. During the event, it was announced that the exhibition will kick off on November 2 in Zhuhai, Guangdong, and this will mark the beginning of three consecutive exhibitions in the city.

The International Photography Art Exhibition is a key initiative organized by the China Photography Association, serving as a vital bridge connecting photographers from around the globe. Since its establishment in 1981, the exhibition has undergone 43 years of continuous improvement and innovation, culminating in 18 successful shows. It stands as one of the longest-running and most impactful international photography exchanges in China.

This year’s exhibition is co-hosted by the China Photography Association, the Guangdong Provincial Federation of Literary and Art Circles, and the Zhuhai Municipal People’s Government. It is organized by the China Photography Association’s Foreign Liaison Office, the Propaganda Department of the Zhuhai Municipal Committee, the Guangdong Provincial Photography Association, and the Zhuhai Federation of Literary and Art Circles. The call for submissions began in July 2023, inviting entries in six official UN languages. Over nine months, the exhibition received submissions from more than 123 countries and regions, totaling over 160,000 entries with more than 340,000 photographs—a record number in terms of both submissions and participating nations. An esteemed panel of 18 international judges meticulously reviewed the entries, resulting in the selection of 276 pieces, showcasing a wide array of themes, styles, and artistic expressions reflective of the current landscape of international photography.

The exhibition features three main categories: documentary, artistic, and a “Warmth” themed section. It encourages photographers worldwide, regardless of cultural background, to explore diverse expressions through imagery while emphasizing the emotional connections between people, nature, and society. The aim is to convey warmth, friendship, and understanding through the art of photography.

The main exhibit will prominently display the selected works and will also include a video retrospective of highlights from past exhibitions. Additionally, the “Guest Country” exhibition, featuring “French Portrait Photography,” will showcase photography in the distinctive French style, with half of the pieces being collectible originals. An invitational exhibition will reveal the unique perspectives of Iran, a country along the Belt and Road Initiative, while six parallel exhibits will showcase the achievements of Guangdong and Zhuhai in the new era. The exhibition promises a high standard of production and display, breaking traditional boundaries by integrating light and shadow installations with interactive elements. A special installation titled “Rise Up” will facilitate deep engagement between the audience and the artworks. The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of events, including the Zhuhai International Photography Night concert, art lectures, academic exchanges, and photography workshops.

Furthermore, in August of this year, the Gu Yuan Art Museum, the venue for the exhibition, completed its renovation and expansion, reopening with a total area increasing from 8,181 square meters to 20,005 square meters. This comprehensive upgrade in layout, environmental facilities, and operational philosophy will adequately support the various exhibition requirements.