For the 11th year in a row, the European Union (EU) Delegation to Egypt has launched its annual Photography Competition for amateur photographers. The competition is considered part of the EU support to the Egyptian cultural scene and in promoting talents, as well as highlighting the various activities under the bilateral cooperation between the EU and Egypt.
The year’s competition runs under the theme “Description of Modern Egypt” in celebration of the 210th anniversary of the publication of Description de l’Égypte (Description of Egypt), which is considered one of the most significant books in Egypt’s modern history.
Published in 1809 by Egypt’s Sciences and Arts Committee (Institut d’Égypte or Egyptian Scientific Institute), the book documents the various aspects of life in Egypt at the time, including its culture, environment and geography. The publication is a landmark in the history of cultural cooperation between Egypt and Europe, and it is among the most important historical studies in the history of modern Egypt.
Amateur photographers have been invited to participate in capturing various daily-life aspects in Egypt; a country that has a rich and unique culture. The theme of this year’s competition aims to record Egyptian lifestyle during the 21st century to be a reference for future generations, as was the “Description de l’Égypte”.
The ideal photo is the one that best reflects the contemporary lifestyle in Egypt, for instance by highlighting the variety of Egyptian people or outlining the nature of contemporary jobs, handicrafts, means of transportation, and relationships among family members.
Application for the competition is online to make it easier for participants to apply.
The photography competition began in 2008 with a total participation of more than 1,000 contestants. Last year more than 140 individuals participated, and the competition was under the theme “Favourite Destinations in Egypt”.
The EU Delegation to Egypt offers prizes for the first three winners, and its 2019 desk calendar will feature the first 12 winning photos. A special award ceremony and exhibition event will be held to hand over the prizes. The exhibition will feature the top 30 photos.
The Photography Competition is open to all amateur photographers living in Egypt.
Images will be judged on originality, technical excellence, composition, overall impact and artistic merit as well as the personal vision of the photographer. The deadline for submitting your applicant is Saturday 17 November 2018.