Strengthening Bangladesh's Photography Sector
Having ratified the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions in 2007, Bangladesh, through the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the Ministry of industries, has been busy implementing it. During this process, the UNESCO Office in Dhaka identified an interest and need from authorities and various stakeholders to promote and protect the diversity of cultural expressions in the country, to develop the cultural and creative industries, and to better understand the 2005 Convention.
Following a series of consultations, the UNESCO Office in Dhaka was requested to assist in contributing to the effective development and promotion of the photography industry of Bangladesh, as the photography industry is an upcoming, youth driven industry, yet it is disconnected and unacknowledged from the domain of the main industry.
General aim:
This project aimed to provide timely support to the development of professional skills for the visual arts industry, especially photography, in Bangladesh.
Through this project, the capacities of Bangladeshi photographers were strengthened, and awareness about the 2005 Convention and the contribution of CCI for sustainable development was raised among the public in Bangladesh. The project also instigated dialogue between the Government and the photography community.
76 photographers trained
120 photographs displayed during a 3-day photography exhibition
An initial assessment and situation analysis of Bangladesh’s photography sector as a cultural and creative industry was carried out and served as a baseline for interventions implemented under the project. The comprehensive assessment and situation analysis was conducted by a national expert and identified the status and impact of the photography sector, including its shortcomings and challenges.
Based on the identified needs and priorities of Bangladesh’s photographers, targeted capacity building Master Classes were carried out by national and international experts, effectively reinforcing the capacity of 76 selected photographers from diverse backgrounds (41% freelance photographers, 33% staff photographers and 26% students), within identified priority areas. 76 male and female Bangladeshi photographers (79% male, 21% female) participated in the hands-on and practical Master Classes.
To raise awareness of the 2005 Convention, and to promote photography as an important part of the cultural and creative industries of Bangladesh, a round-table policy dialogue, a photography competition, an exhibition and public talks were conducted under the heading “COLORS OF BANGLADESH”. Out of more than 17,000 submissions, expert judges selected 120 photographs to be displayed during a 3-day photography exhibition at the Bangladesh National Museum.
On each of the three days, public talks and panel discussions were organized on topics such as “Creative Value of a Photographer”, “Photography and Copyright”, and “How to judge a photograph”. These talks allowed Bangladeshi photographers and the public to come together, to discuss photography, and to learn about the potential of Bangladesh’s photography sector as a cultural and creative sector and its contribution to Bangladeshi society and sustainable development.