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LagosPhoto, launched in October 2010, is the first and only International Art Festival of Photography in Nigeria. It aims to promote positive social change by exhibiting relevant stories of Africa locally and abroad while fostering an exchange between local and international photographers to give a voice to the topics underrepresented on the continent and in popular media. Events include indoor exhibitions, workshops, large-scale outdoor prints displayed throughout the city with the aim of reclaiming Public Spaces and engaging the general public with the stories of Africa. LagosPhoto presents a contemporary and historic visual essay of the continent to a local and global audience. LagosPhoto: Be Inspired.

“...the key thing for LagosPhoto-to create a dialogue for local photographers and photographers based elsewhere to tell the stories and give voice to the stories that we feel are underrepresented on the continent...To tell African stories there are certain patterns: the corruption, the poverty, the “noble savage,” and all of these stereotypes to those of us who live here. I think it’s important to represent the “other Africa,” as I call it, to tell a more rounded story. Of course these commonly represented stories are not untrue, but it’s important to show fashion photography, for example, to show the style of the people, to show the industry and intellect, the normality of the life we live here. One of the things we hope LagosPhoto will be is a mirror to our politicians: we can create change by holding up a mirror to decision makers, to stakeholders. But I don’t think you can hold it up to them if you overly represent the negative. I think it’s important to show the positives as well, and to show a more rounded view...I think photography will play a key role in creating the vision of the continent we all want to see.” 

Azu Nwagbogu, Guernica 

Link to full article:  http://www.guernicamag.com/interviews/penney_nwagbogu_12_1_11/



LagosPhoto 2012: 'Seven Days in the Life of Lagos'

LagosPhoto proudly presents the third edition of the international LagosPhoto festival entitled ‘Seven Days in the Life of Lagos’ featuring twenty-one local and International photographers.

This year's edition aims to explore and capture the very essence of the city, Lagos. The energy and soul that make the city such a unique place, captured by the most talented photographers working today, is the challenge ahead. Lagos is the creative and business hub of Nigeria, arguably even Africa, an urban megapolis with a high population density. The rate of change in the city is also rapidly evolving with improvements struggling to keep pace with the restlessness and innovation of the people.

Through our numerous collaborations, LagosPhoto continues to provide a platform for the development of photographic talent through mentoring, workshops and seminars. As one of the most respected photographers in the photo world, Stanley Greene, 2012’s Artistic Director, has a reputation for representing the world's stories in the most visually stunning style combined with the philosophy of using photography to bear witness to the eternal struggle for social justice and human rights.

We wish to encourage artists to capture the city in their own unique visual language. The images will lead to a book publication, 'Lagos: Entropy Unchecked' to be published after the festival.

The festival will open with an indoor exhibition and Grand Opening ceremony on the 13th of October 2012 at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island Lagos. Other exhibition venues include the African Artists’ Foundation, Nimbus Gallery, A White Space, Omenka Gallery, The Federal Printing Press, The Kalakuta Fela Museum, Muri Okunola Park, the University of Lagos, and the Falomo Roundabout. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is LagosPhoto? 

LagosPhoto is an annual photography festival in Lagos, Nigeria. Launched in October 2010, LagosPhoto is the first and only international art festival of photography in Nigeria. Events include exhibitions, workshops, and large-scale outdoor prints displayed throughout the city with the aim of reclaiming public spaces and engaging the general public with multifaceted stories of Africa. LagosPhoto presents a contemporary and historical visual essay of the continent to both a local and global audience.

In 2010, LagosPhoto held its inaugural edition with a month-long exhibition entitled ‘No Judgment: Africa Under the Prism’ at the Eko Hotel and Suites with over one thousand guests in attendance on the opening night. Large-scale images were also displayed in public spaces across the city, allowing for communal viewing outside of the formal venue, including exhibitions at the Muri Okunola Park (Victoria Island), Falomo Roundabout (Ikoyi), and MKO Abiola Park (Ikeja).

In 2011, LagosPhoto featured forty-two local and international photographers with the theme ‘What’s Next: Africa’s Hidden Stories’. Other events included an amateur photography competition, a creative design fair, an exhibition of photographs from the Nooderlicht Festival showcasing archival works by Malick Sidibé and JD ‘Okhai Ojeikere, a family day and picnic at Muri Okunola Park, and photographic development workshops for young children. The festival has attracted the attention of international media, such as NRC Handelsblad, ZAM Magazine, Reuters, Geurnica, GUP Magazine, Vanguard, The Guardian, and Wings, among others.

The upcoming 2012 edition of LagosPhoto is entitled “Seven Days in the Life of Lagos” and will document seven aspects of the life in the city over seven days, including but not limited to religion, architecture, culture, nightlife, economy, government, and infrastructure.

When will the exhibition take place?

LagosPhoto is a month long festival, beginning with the grand opening ceremony on October 13, 2012. The exhibition and outdoor venues will be open to the public throughout the festival’s run.

Who are the organizers and sponsors of LagosPhoto 2012?

The festival is organized by LagosPhoto and sponsored by Etisalat and Eko Hotel & Suites. Partners of LagosPhoto include KISS Photo-Me Group and SKYSNAP. LagosPhoto is additionally supported by Porsche, Martini, Bacardi. and The Speos Photography Institute. The festival is financed through corporate sponsors and individual donations through the Friends of LagosPhoto membership group. To join Friends of LagosPhoto, please see more information at www.lagosphotofestival.com.

What is the festival’s theme and how is it decided?

The theme of LagosPhoto 2012 is ‘Seven Days in the Life of Lagos’. This year's edition aims to explore and capture the very essence of the city, Lagos. The energy and soul that make the city such a unique place, captured by the most talented photographers working today, is the challenge ahead. We wish to encourage artists to capture the city in their own unique visual language. The images will lead to a book publication, 'Lagos: Entropy Unchecked' to be published after the festival. LagosPhoto will initiate a project that will require photographers to document seven aspects of life in the city over seven days, including: community, culture, urban development, economics, security, sports and street life. It will feature twenty-one local and international photographers chosen to interpret the festival's theme. The 2012 Festival is produced by Noor Photographer Stanley Greene and Directors Azu Nwagbogu and Caline Chagoury. The theme is defined and articulated by the festival’s Artistic Directors and the curatorial team.

Are the images for sale?

The images are for sale unless otherwise determined by the artist/representing gallery. For sales information, please contact Zainab Ashadu at zashadu@lagosphotofestival.com. 

Will there be merchandise for sale?

There will be LagosPhoto shirts and well as LagosPhoto bags and catalogues for sale. T- shirts will be for sale for N4000 and bags will be for sale for N2000.

Will there be a LagosPhoto 2013?

Yes, the LagosPhoto team will organize the fourth edition in 2013, and will continue in the following years as a sustainable annual festival.

EXHIBITION VENUES

Where will the exhibition be held?

LagosPhoto 2012 will take place in the following locations:

- The Eko Hotel and Suites

- The African Artists’ Foundation Headquarters 

- The Goethe Institut

- Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island

- Falomo Roundabout, Ikoyi

- UBA Park, University of Lagos, Yaba

- Oworoshoki/ Alapere Median

Where will the indoor exhibition take place, and is it free?

- The Eko Hotel and Suites: Tickets available for Grand Opening Ceremony on the 13th October

- The Eko Hotel and Suites: 14th October-9th November: Free entrance 

-  The African Artists’ Foundation Headquarters: Free entrance

- The Goethe Institut: Free Entrance

Where will the outdoor exhibitions take place, and is it free?

- Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island: Free entrance

- Falomo Roundabout, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi: Free entrance 

- UBA Park, University of Lagos, Yaba: Free entrance

- Oworonshoki-Alapere Median: Free entrance

Do I need a ticket for the outdoor exhibition?

The entrance to all outdoor exhibitions is free and a ticket is not required. For the Grand Opening Ceremony, tickets are required and information for purchase can be found at www.lagosphotofestival.com.

Who is the architect for the design of the outdoor exhibition spaces?

The architect of the outdoor exhibition spaces for LagosPhoto 2012 is Tosin Oshinowo. Due to the overwhelming success of last year’s outdoor exhibitions, LagosPhoto decided to extend the partnership with architect Tosin Oshinowo for another year. Open calls for architects remain a possibility in the future.

ACTIVITIES COINCIDING WITH THE FESTIVAL:

What activities will be organized for LagosPhoto 2012?

- Workshops and Seminars

- Etisalat Photography Competition 

- Talks and Debates

LagosPhoto WORKSHOPS:

What are the LagosPhoto Workshops?

There will be workshops for interested emerging photographers facilitated by professional photographers. Each workshop will be announced on both the LagosPhoto and AAF websites as well as on the AAF Facebook page. For further information on schedules and programs, see www.lagosphotofestival.com or www.africanartists.org.

Who are the facilitators of the workshops?

Selected professional LagosPhoto photographers will share their knowledge and expertise in workshops with specified themes and objectives.

Is there a fee for the workshop?

Yes. Depending on the duration of the workshop, fees will vary. For further information on the workshops, see the LagosPhoto website at www.lagostphotofestival.com.

Will there be any accommodation during the workshops?

There will be no accommodation provided by LagosPhoto during the workshops.

ETISALAT PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION:

How do I enter into the LagosPhoto Amateur Photography Competition?

Please see the LagosPhoto website for more information on how to complete an online submission. An official announcement will be released via different media, explaining how to take part, providing convenient access to all.

Where will the Etisalat Photography Competition exhibition take place?

The LagosPhoto Photography Competition exhibition will be presented to the public in the LagosPhoto exhibition space at the Eko Hotel.

ARTISTS INVOLVED IN LagosPhoto:

How can I participate in LagosPhoto as an artist?

For the LagosPhoto festival, you should be a practicing photographer in order to take part in the main exhibition. The focus on professional artists is important for the main component of the exhibition. There are several side exhibitions and competitions along the professional exhibition that focus on emerging photographers. As an emerging photographer, you have access to LagosPhoto workshops and seminars. You may also submit images to the official competition or the amateur competition.

Who are the artists?

LagosPhoto is an international photography festival. Participating artists consist of both international and local professional photographers.

Is there an open call for artists?

No. Due to this year’s concept where both local and international photographers shoot side- by-side, this format was the most reasonable to implement.

Will the artists be reimbursed?

Each participating artist will be given a stipend to cover project related expenses under the discretion of the LagosPhoto organizational team.

LagosPhoto AND THE COMMUNITY:

How does LagosPhoto support emerging photographers?

There will be numerous workshops hosted during LagosPhoto that are open to all interested photographers. Professional photographers lead the workshops and are eager and willing to share skills with emerging photographers.

Why does LagosPhoto sell tickets to the grand opening?

The grand opening ceremony requires tickets to subsidize the project’s annual budget.

Who is invited to the preview?

The preview is dedicated to the award ceremony and the the Friends of Lagos Photo, who, through their generous support, help to make this event possible.

How do I become a Friend of LagosPhoto?

For more information, please see www.lagosphotofestival.com.

How does LagosPhoto help the community?

One of the aims of LagosPhoto is to bring art to public spaces and increase awareness of art in society, and promote the use of photography as a tool for self-empowerment. Furthermore, LagosPhoto aims to support and encourage emerging photographers to improve their skills and sustain themselves financially through their photography.

Will there be an exhibition catalogue?

The 2011 LagosPhoto catalogue will be available during this year’s edition. The 2012 catalogue will be forthcoming.

How do I get news and updates for LagosPhoto 2012?

For more information, see the LagosPhoto website,www.lagosphotofestival.com, as well as the African Artists’ Foundation website at www.africanartists.org. Each website will be updated regularly. Become a fan of African Artists’ Foundation on Facebook and follow LagosPhoto on Twitter.

Does LagosPhoto work with local companies in the development of the project?

Yes, as non-profit organization, it is important to us to work with local companies to organize and implement the LagosPhoto festival.

Who do I contact for more information regarding LagosPhoto 2012?

For Press and Sponsorship enquiries, contact Zainab Ashadu at zashadu@lagosphotofestival.com.

For general enquiries, contact Medina Dugger at mdugger@lagosphotofestival.com or Joseph Gergel at jgergel@lagosphotofestival.com.

Founders/Directors: Azu Nwagbogu & Caline Chagoury

Artistic Director 2012: Stanley Greene 

Curators:  Stanley Greene, Azu Nwagbogu, Caline Chagoury 

Co-Curators: Medina Dugger, Joseph Gergel 

Public Relations, Head/Sponsorship:  Zainab Ashadu

Media/Partnership Adviser: Peter Vlam 

Project Coordinator/Media Manager: Evelyn Aluede 

Event Manager 2012: Rebecca Gebler 

Architect 2011/2012: Tosin Oshinowo 

Graphic Designer: Alafuro Sikoki 

Founding Sponsors: Etisalat, Eko Hotel & Suites

2010/2011/2012 Event Coordinator: African Artists' Foundation 


For more Information, please see the "Edition 2012" page on this website. 
UPCOMING EVENTS


World Press Photo will bring its travelling exhibition during LagosPhoto Festival, as part of the 2013 program. Open to the general public 19 October. Additional details to follow. 
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