180 photographers take part in FIAP meet
The 7th International Forum for Photography, hosted by Oman, represented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, began on Tuesday at Sultan Qaboos University. The selection of Oman to host the forum was based on a vote by members of the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP).
Photographers participating in the forum will have an opportunity to capture images of people, nature and diverse sites such as Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Sharqiyah Sands, Bahla Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Nizwa Fort.
The forum’s activities will continue till October 31, including the Quriyat Photography Award exhibition held at Wadi Dayqah Dam and an exhibition at Bahla Fort, in addition to a ceremony honouring the award-winning countries on October 30.
The main programme of the forum, the 35th FIAP Biennial Black and White Event and Exhibition, will be hosted by Photographic Society of Oman on its premises on October 29.
Ahmed bin Salem al Busaidi, Director General of Arts in the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, said, “We in the ministry have endeavoured to encourage Omani photographers to participate in these international forums and spread awareness on Oman in every forum, especially in competitions organised by FIAP. As young people are the future, FIAP is keen to develop their skills and carry out activities and competitions to showcase their talent.”
Meanwhile, Ricardo Bossi, President of FIAP, said, “Oman is a country with distinct capabilities that qualify it to host such forums, and it also has a strong relationship with FIAP going back many years. I would like to thank the officials in Oman for their efforts in organising this event, which attracted 180 photographers from around the world.”
According to FIAP, biennials have a distinct character, different from international contests.
‘It is not only the quality of the individual work that counts, but FIAP asks for coherent collections, as well as the viewpoint of inspiration from conception, execution to presentation.’
The sultanate is a country with distinct capabilities that qualify it to host such forums
Ricardo BOSSI