On October 19th, 2024, the Beijing International Photo Week officially kicked off in Beijing, co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Beijing Municipal Government. Organized in collaboration with several key institutions, including the Chinese Art Photography Society and the China Photographers Association, this event promises to be a significant cultural gathering.

Could you tell us about some of the highlights of this year’s Photo Week? The event includes a grand opening ceremony, themed exhibitions, parallel exhibitions, discussions, and various special activities. With over 15 themed exhibitions, 43 parallel exhibitions, and 13 dialogue sessions, more than 5,400 works from over 2,600 photographers will be on display. The main venue at the China Millennium Monument will connect with 11 other exhibition spaces across Beijing, effectively creating an “Image: Beijing Map” to promote cultural exchange.

What themes can attendees expect to see at this year’s festival? Over the past 11 years, the organizing committee has developed a solid structure around nine major themes, including the spirit of the times, national image, and world heritage. This year’s exhibitions are curated to reflect these themes, showcasing the dynamic interplay between photography and cultural narratives.

One notable exhibition is “Flourishing Blooms: A Decade of Photography Rooted in the People,” featuring outstanding works from significant national awards like the Chinese Photography Golden Image Awards. Can you describe what this exhibition aims to convey? This exhibition captures a decade of flourishing photographic creativity in China, showcasing profound artistic work that reflects the changes of our times.

Another fascinating segment is the “Forever Landscapes: The First Youth Image 100 Art Exhibition,” which highlights the innovative power of young artists, utilizing various mediums such as traditional photography, micro-video, and digital art. How do you see young artists contributing to the future of photography? This exhibition emphasizes the fresh perspectives and transformative approaches that young artists bring, particularly in our AI-driven era.

Additionally, there’s “Hello, Beijing,” which focuses on different aspects of Beijing’s culture. How does this exhibition differentiate itself? It explores ancient, revolutionary, cultural, and innovative facets of the city, offering new viewpoints that reveal Beijing’s natural, historical, cultural, and innovative beauty.

Given it marks a decade since the coordination of development among Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei became a national strategy, the “Great Rivers and Mountains: Cultural Heritage Imaging Exhibition” will highlight key achievements in cultural heritage protection from these regions. Can you elaborate on its significance? This exhibition not only showcases representative achievements but also initiates a cultural heritage image database, establishing a long-term platform for preserving and utilizing cultural heritage images.

What can photography enthusiasts expect from this year’s smartphone photography segment? The 2024 “Cloud Imaging” Public Mobile Photography Exhibition includes thematic collections such as the “Top 10 Creative Mobile Photographers” and “I Share a Birthday with the Republic,” encouraging engagement at various levels.

In terms of academic dialogue, this year focuses on “Image: Life, Eternity.” What can participants gain from these discussions? Attendees can engage with renowned scholars and artists through a combination of online lectures and live streams, delving into historical research and contemporary topics such as image technology and the realities of the Metaverse.

Finally, in response to evolving audience preferences, the Photo Week will feature nighttime viewing sessions from October 18 to 20. What prompted this initiative? The nighttime events at the China Millennium Monument are designed to enhance the viewer experience, allowing people to enjoy art in a unique setting while also participating in academic lectures.

The festivities of the Beijing International Photo Week will continue until October 28. How are you anticipating the reception of this year’s events? We’re excited to see how audiences engage with these diverse offerings and contribute to the ongoing cultural dialogue.