Quick as a Flash, Auckland is Captured

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Image: Auckland Festival of Photography

MEDIA RELEASE
29 October 2005

The Auckland Festival of Photography

Quick as a Flash, Auckland is Captured by the Art of Photography

The Auckland Festival of Photography gears up for 2006, with a new website and increased programme of events, venues and partners. The art of photography is celebrated in the diverse landscape of Auckland’s culture and identity.

Based on successful international Photography Festivals in the world’s biggest cities, The Auckland Festival of Photography was launched in June 2004. Aiming to build new audiences, an ambitious programme was presented; a risky undertaking for any new festival. Despite the risks, the first year was a hit, attracting an audience of over 11,500 people.

Encouraged by this success, the 2005 festival programme expanded further to include participation from over 400 photographers across 18 exhibitions and events. Praised by both professional and local communities, audiences increased by a further 40%. A remarkable achievement in such a short time – and this festival has only just got going.

Festival organizers believe that this rapid growth is based the popularity of visual photographic arts coupled with the festivals free public access. This is the only FREE 3 week arts and cultural Festival in Auckland. The Auckland Festival of Photography is a significant signature event and is a highlight of the annual arts calendar.

The Auckland Festival of Photography is currently calling for submissions for its 2006 programme, which expands into North and West Auckland and premieres a new participation event. ‘Lantern’ captures the spectacle of light, colour and culture that attracts over 100,000 people to the AsiaNZ Chinese Lantern Festival in Albert Park. Selected images will be publicly exhibited during the next Photography Festival. Professional, amateur, and young photographers are all encouraged to participate. This diversity and accessibility are crucial to the festival’s unique personality and success.

The festival welcomes a host of new partners for 2006, who are instrumental in further attracting audiences from right across the region. These include The Auckland Museum, ASIA NZ Foundation, North Shore City Council, Creative Communities, Waitakere City Council and Nikon Camera’s.

Website is funded by The ASB Community Trust.

Next year’s festival dates are 2nd - 24th JUNE, 2006.
The full programme will be released in APRIL 2006.
To find out how to take part in ‘Lantern’ and other festival events, visit the website: photographyfestival.org.nz

ENDS

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