About Fotofest Inc
FotoFest Inc: Advancing Discourse Surrounding Photography and Visual Culture
FotoFest Inc is a Houston-based contemporary arts organization that is dedicated to advancing discourse surrounding photography and visual culture through exhibitions, public programs, and publishing projects. Founded in 1983 by Wendy Watriss and Fred Baldwin, FotoFest has become one of the leading photography organizations in the world.
The organization's mission is to promote the exchange of art and ideas through international programs and the presentation of photographic art. FotoFest's biennial event, which takes place every two years in Houston, Texas, is one of the largest international photography festivals in the world. The festival attracts artists, curators, collectors, publishers, critics, educators from around the globe.
FotoFest's exhibitions are known for their diversity and inclusivity. The organization has been at the forefront of promoting underrepresented voices in contemporary photography since its inception. FotoFest has organized exhibitions featuring works by women photographers from Iran (2008), African American photographers (2014), Arab artists (2018), among others.
In addition to its biennial festival exhibition program held every two years since 1986; FotoFest also organizes year-round programming including lectures series with internationally renowned artists such as Shirin Neshat or Susan Meiselas; workshops for emerging photographers; portfolio reviews for artists seeking feedback on their work; educational outreach programs for schools across Texas.
One of Fotofests' most significant contributions to advancing discourse surrounding photography was its role as a catalyst for social change during apartheid South Africa. In 1994-95 Fotofest organized an exhibition titled "The Struggle Against Apartheid: Photographs by South African Photographers" which showcased photographs taken by black South African photographers who had been banned from exhibiting their work during apartheid rule.
The exhibition was shown at over 100 venues worldwide including museums such as New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) or London’s Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A). It played a crucial role in raising awareness about apartheid atrocities globally while also providing a platform for black South African photographers whose work had previously been suppressed under apartheid rule.
FotoFests' commitment to promoting social justice through art continues today with its ongoing initiatives aimed at addressing issues such as climate change or human rights abuses around the world. For example: In 2020-21 Fotofests’ Biennial theme was “African Cosmologies” exploring how traditional spiritual practices have influenced contemporary art practices across Africa today while also addressing issues like climate change affecting communities across Africa continent-wide.
In conclusion: FotoFest Inc is an essential player on both national and international stages when it comes to advancing discourse surrounding photography and visual culture through exhibitions public programs publishing projects workshops portfolio reviews educational outreach initiatives etcetera all aimed at promoting exchange between cultures fostering understanding empathy respect among people worldwide while also advocating social justice causes like climate change human rights abuses etcetera making it an indispensable resource not only within Houston but throughout America beyond!
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