In the afternoon of December 22, 2020,the 8th Jinan International Photography Biennale and "Silk Road Asia" International Photography Season, supported by the International Federation of Photographic Arts (FIAP) and the Silk Road National Photographic Organizations International Alliance (SRPOIA) and co-organized by China Artistic Photography Society, Shandong University of Art and Design, the Propaganda Department of the CPC Jinan Municipal Committee, and Shandong International Cultural Exchange Center, was launched at Shandong University of Art and Design.
Mr.Yang Yuanxing, Chairman of the International Union of Silk Road Countries Photography Organizations, Chairman of the China Society of Art Photography and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Jinan International Photography Biennale, said in his speech that since its establishment, the Jinan International Photography Biennale has maintained a distinctive academic and international character, and has made an important impact at home and abroad. The theme of this year's Biennale is "Different Countries Sharing the Same Sky". Under the current situation of the serious rebound of the global covid-19 epidemic, the Biennale has especially set up the "Silk Road Asia" international photography season section, and extended the exhibition period to three months to better implement the national "Belt and Road" initiative, build a community of shared future for mankind, and strengthen cultural exchanges and cooperation among Silk Road countries. This year's Biennale is the longest biennale in terms of duration.
Since its establishment in 2006, Jinan International Photography Biennale has been insisting on its academic and exploratory nature as well as diversification and internationalization, which has been strongly supported by the International Federation of Photographic Arts (FIAP), and become a main focus of the attention and actively encouraged the participation of photographers from all over the world.What’s more, it obtained the international certification of FIAP, which has produced a wide and important influence at home and abroad, and has become a well-known and important international cultural brand.
The Biennale is composed of several sections, such as photography exhibitions, academic forums, international exchanges and cooperation. There are more than 60 exhibition projects, including thematic exhibitions, invitational exhibitions, academic exhibitions, experimental exhibitions and video exhibitions. A total of more than 1,500 works by more than 600 artists and photographers from more than 30 countries are on display. The works come from old photographers who have been engaged in photography for more than 50 years, and some budding photographers as well. There are classic works by world-renowned photographers and works of different styles by teachers and students from more than 60 universities in China, Japan and Korea. There are classic works by global photographers focusing on the epidemic, and award-winning works of "Silk Road International Youth International Photography Competition". There are "Post-image -- Contemporary Photography Experimental Field", which puts forward new visual thinking, and "Romantic Everywhere -- Grand Capture of Provence" by Wang Zhiping. More than 60 exhibitions of various contents, styles and colors constitute an international visual feast of contemporary photography.
The Biennale has set up various awards such as the highest Academy Award, Golden Small Hole Award, Best Curator Award, Best Photographer Award, Best Exhibition Award, New Photography Award and Excellent Work Award. The Organizing Committee will organize relevant expert jury to evaluate all the exhibited curators, photographers and exhibition works during the exhibition session, and the results will be publicized at a later time. The Organizing Committee of the Biennale will edit and publish academic works and a compilation of Biennale documents for the better consolidation and dissemination of the academic achievements of the Biennale.
