PhotoIreland is a volunteer organization that strives to stimulate the dialog around photography in Ireland and to promote the work of Irish photographers internationally. The inaugural International Festival of Photography & Image Culture: PhotoIreland Festival was held in 2010. It has taken place annually ever since, attracting artists and photography enthusiasts from all over Ireland and abroad.
The PhotoIreland Festival is the first international festival in Ireland focused on photography and visual culture. It aims to introduce works by Irish and international photographers to a wide audience and emphasize the significance of photography as an art form. The first festival showcased works by over 100 photographers and photo artists that were exhibited in more than 30 venues throughout Dublin.
The program of the festival is built around themed exhibitions held in galleries, libraries, arts centers and other cultural institutions in Dublin’s Temple Bar quarter. Besides, photographers and photography lovers can participate in discussions, talks and workshops featuring renowned photographers.
To discover new talents and to support and encourage emerging photographers, the PhotoIreland Festival hosts portfolio review sessions. Any photographer can submit a portfolio including 10 to 20 works. Experienced professionals examine the portfolios and than discuss the works with authors during one-on-one meetings, providing constructive criticism and practical advice.
Another project carried out by PhotoIreland is the Library Project. It is a public library that offers an impressive selection of photobooks and photography magazines. The best photobooks are awarded special prizes during the PhotoIreland Festival.
Photo: photoireland.org
