PHOTOMONTH IN KRAKOW 2008

www.photomonth.com

"Photomonth in Krakow" is one of the largest photography festivals in Poland and the most rapidly developing in Europe.

The leitmotif of the thematic part of the 2008 edition programme is "On Being Young". What organisers intend to present is a set of individual projects relating in particular to current activities associated with this concept. Over past decades, the individual's active and creative life is ever more frequently crammed into this relatively short period. Simultaneously, the very concept of youth is changing, and the influence of technology and medicine, aiming to extend life to the maximum, places youth in a new light. For the first time, we are inviting projects to be submitted - the most interesting will be added to the thematic section of the main programme drawn up by the Programme Council.

The second block of exhibitions is created from presentations originating in one country, the Festival's special guest. In 2008, this will be... Poland. The organisers' ambition is to undertake an attempt to evaluate the position of contemporary Polish photography on the international arena and to bring the knowledge of lesser known, but frequently outstanding artists from our country to both domestic and international public. The Poland Programme covers several collective exhibitions, including historical, individual presentations from a variety of periods, and also a review of the achievements of Poland's youngest generation of photographers.

Among the most important features of the festival programme are the presentations organised in public spaces. From its very beginnings, the Festival has been closely associated with the "urban tissue", and visiting the exhibitions provides a unique opportunity to become better acquainted with Kraków. Festival events are taking place in almost all of Kraków's galleries, but also in places such as cafés, pubs, industrial spaces and even normal private apartments. 2008's planned campaigns and exhibitions "in the city" are on the one hand the result of the desire to get closer to the viewer, and on the other to use the city walls and streets as exhibition space.

The list of exhibitions is completed by over a dozen presentations under the auspices of the Off festival. Traditionally, this section is aimed at young, and also beginning, artists. The exhibitions take place in perfectly prepared exhibition areas in Kraków's pubs and cafés, as well as selected galleries. One innovation, however, is the creation of a Programme Council for the Off festival - its task will be to select from the submissions sent from the organisers.

Among the numerous associated events - slide shows, screenings of documentary films, lectures, workshops, meetings with artists and book promotions - it is worth mentioning the portfolio review. This is a unique occasion to present your achievements to the opinion of the world's greatest authorities: photographers, published, critics and curators, as well as a chance for international publicity.

"Dreamers and witnesses. Polish photography of the 20th century". Arsenal Ksiazat Czartoryskich Museum. © Pawel Ulatowski/visavis.pl

"Garageband" - Michael Jang's exhibition. Flat No. 4, Sebastiana 16/ 8 street. © Pawel Ulatowski/visavis.pl

"Girls and the American Body Project" - Lauren Greenfield's outdoor exhibition ©Pawel Ulatowski/visavis.pl

"REAL FOTO" - Mikolaj Dlugosz exhibition in the BWA Gallery. © Pawel Ulatowski/visavis.pl