Stories of Friendship – photography exhibition

There are no winners in war, but memories of misery as those that marked World War II, a period in which Apulia became centre stage to the events that led to the birth of the Italian Republic. Stories of Friendshipis Accademia Apulias latest photography exhibition. It aims to highlightthe important contribution Apulia made in securing the end of World War II – a fact largely unknown by the international community. However, the focus of this exhibition is not so much on weapons, uniforms, combat techniques, as on ordinary peoples stories who, revealing their humanity, show a perspective of a bygone era.

One hundred photographs, films and diaries from the archives of the Imperial War Museum, London, provide a new insight into some of the most significant encounters between British soldiers and the civilian population, peasants, artisans and intellectuals. The soldiers portrayed in the photographs established cordial relations with the local people in spite of their uniforms and rank. As a direct result of this interaction many British soldiers married local women, setting up households both in Italy and the UK.

Stories of Friendship testify that even in war there is room for positive values. Brotherhood and solidarity are at the heart of the human soul regardless of nationality and status. The exhibition, financed by the local government of Apulia, GAL Apulia and Accademia Apulia, curated byTatiana Chierici, will bea touring exhibition running between July 2014 and March 2015.

Further details here

Museum of the Order of St John from 21/07/2014 to 30/08/2014

Bexley Hall Place  from14/09/2014 to 11/03/2015

 

“Migration, Stories of a Journey” a photography award

I have been asked to publicise this photographic competition and  I am happy to do so because they are a worthy and worthwhile organisation.

Accademia Apulia UK now welcomes submissions for its online 2011 Photography Award.

Migration, Stories of a Journey, is aimed at promoting emerging photographers of all nationalities based in the EU whose work explores the lives and development of Migrants in Europe. The fundamental principle of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that

“all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”, however whilst for many migration is a positive experience, many others endure human rights violations, exploitation and xenophobia.

 The focus of Accademia Apulia Photography Award 2011 aims to highlight migrants’ struggle and difficulties as well as to show migrants’ accomplishments and contributions as successful members and leaders of their adopted country.

Migration, Stories of a Journey, is under the Patronage of Amnesty International, the British Council, The European Commission and the international Organisation for Migration.

Entries opened on 18th Oct and are free. Please visit www.accademiapulia.org The closing date for entries is 30th Dec 2011

Entrants will be assessed by leading figures in the fields of Photography and Journalism:

Barbara Roche – Migration Museum Project, Diane Smyth – British Journal of Photography, Jennifer Francis – The Royal Academy of Arts, John Ingledew – University of Gloucestershire, Lucilla and Fabrizio Barbieri –  Coppi Barbieri, Stefano Tura – RAI, Steve Macleod – Metro Imaging, Susan Jenkins – The Art Newspaper.

The three finalists will be revealed on 10 January 2012 and the winner on 10 Feb 2012. Their works will be showcased in a group exhibition curated by Elisa Canossa at the Royal Horseguards in London. The three finalists will be flown in as guests of Accademia Apulia for two nights. The winner will also receive 1,000 Euros cash prize.

Contact: Joy Evans +44(0)20 7221 0900 +44(0)78 3334 4410

Info@accademiapulia.org http://www.accademiapulia.org

Here are some images from the winning submissions in 2010

Alex Boyd

Matteo Sandrini

Stefano Morelli