The first ever (and properly ambitious!) London Street Photography Festival will have quite a broad programme of exhibitions and events on offer through July 2011 – including ‘the first UK exhibition of the most talked about photography phenomenon in recent months‘: Vivian Maier. I’m quite excited to have the opportunity to see more of her pictures printed and in person rather than online.
The exhibitions and events programme is online and I won’t be surprised if it continues to grow in the run-up to the festival.
In advance the organisers are taking entries for the first annual Street Photography Awards. I’ve been asked to join the judging panel for the International Award, which I’m honoured to do. Finalists of the International Award will exhibit in a prestigious gallery and the winner takes £1,000 cash, an all-expenses-paid trip to the launch in London (or more cash), an Olympus PEN camera and more goodies.
There is also a Student Street Photography Award to find the best new talent in the UK. The final exhibition of work will be curated, designed and produced by six finalists which sounds like a really terrific opportunity.
Entry costs are quite reasonable and the whole festival is sure to bring a lot of photographers together in London to showcase their work, make friends and influence people!