Beauty Across Borders: China-UK Photography Competition launches in London
The ‘Beauty Across Borders: China-UK Photography Competition’ was officially unveiled on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 in London.
The organizers, sponsors, supporters, and media partners of the "Beauty Across Borders: China-UK Photography Competition" gather together for a group photograph on July 26 in London. [Zhu Ruoxi]
The Competition serves as a showcase, capturing the magnificent landscapes and cultural beauty of China. It also highlights the dynamic exchange between China and the UK, encompassing realms of economy, technology, and culture, creating a beautiful tapestry of visual narratives. The contest welcomes professionals and amateurs aged 18 and above from all corners of the world.
Guests gathered and listening to the opening speeches held at the launch ceremony on July 26 in London. [Zhu Ruoxi]
The competition is a collaborative effort, co-organized by the China National Tourist Office in London, the Europe-based Chinese language newspaper Nouvelles d'Europe UK Edition, and the Chinese Image Studio Shangtufang, with special support from the Cultural Section of the Chinese Embassy in the UK, and professional support from the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain (RPS), the Global Photographic Union, the Sino European Arts in the UK and the Beijing-London Short Video Festival.
Entrants are invited to submit their artwork in three distinctive categories: "Beautiful China," showcasing the country's breath-taking natural vistas; "Splendid China," highlighting its diverse and abundant cultural heritage; and "Impressions of China and the UK," capturing the dynamic interplay of Sino-British interactions.
The launch event was hosted by Xue Ling, the Director of the China National Tourist Office in London and was graced with opening speeches from various esteemed professionals and guests.
Xue Ling, Director of the China National Tourist Office in London, hosts the launch ceremony on July 26 in London. [Zhu Ruoxi]
Minister Counselor Li Liyan, of the Cultural Section of the Chinese Embassy in the UK expressed: “We gather here today not only to embark on a fascinating journey to China through the lens of cameras but also to look forward to sharing remarkable pictures that showcase the beauty of the friendship between the peoples of China and the UK.”
Minister Counselor Li Liyan of the Culture Section of the Chinese Embassy in London speaking at the launch ceremony on July 26 in London. [Zhu Ruoxi]
Minister Counselor Bi Haibo, the Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in the UK said that a single image can leave a lasting impression, fostering a deeper level of understanding.
He fondly recalled how a picture of a giant panda had so deeply intrigued one of his British friends that it inspired him to embark on a journey to China. Similarly, he shared the story of how photographic documentation of oracle bone inscriptions had served as a catalyst for a distinguished British scholar to devote their work to the study of this ancient form of Chinese writing.
Minister Counselor Bi Haibo, Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in London, giving his speech at the launch ceremony on July 26 in London. [Zhu Ruoxi]
"I have every reason to believe that the contest matches the actual substantial development of the China-UK bilateral relations," said Minister Counselor Bi.
In emphasizing the ongoing progress in fostering Sino-British exchanges, Li Qiang, the General Manager of the UK branch of Nouvelles d'Europe, pointed out that despite the strides made, there are still ample opportunities for further advancement. He highlighted the significance of the competition as a means to seize these opportunities and continue strengthening the bond between the two nations.
Li Qiang, the General Manager of the UK branch of Nouvelles d'Europe speaking at the launch ceremony on July 26 in London. [Zhu Ruoxi]
Dr. Michael Pritchard, the former Director of the Royal Photographic Society and current Project Director, expressed his understanding of the value of these partnerships and how photography possesses a unique ability to bring people and countries together. He conveyed the delight of the Royal Photographic Society in supporting this event, emphasizing their belief in photography as a truly valuable and essential medium for breaking down barriers.
In an interview with China Daily Pritchard remarked that the competition presents a genuine opportunity for photographs from China and Britain to unite, challenging and dispelling some of the misconceptions that might exist about China.
Dr. Michael Pritchard, the former Director of the Royal Photographic Society and current Project Director giving his speech at the launch ceremony on July 26 in London. [Zhu Ruoxi]
He said: “Now, we are out of the pandemic, Covid is to some extent, largely gone. We have had a number of opportunities to exhibit in China, so we are going to start to take advantage of that and show Chinese people what life in Britain is like.”
Tim Flach, President of the UK Association of Photographers and one of the judges, expressed his hope to seeing images that can truly inspire people to build bridges between cultures.
In an interview with China Minutes, Tim Flach, the President of the Association of Photographers of UK and one of the judges within the competition, conveyed that for participants entering the competition, it is crucial to consider the bridge between China and the UK.
Flach further offered some valuable insights, recommending having a plan while taking pictures but also being open to surprises, as: “the picture that surprises you might be the one that will surprise others as well."
Tim Flach, President of the UK Association of Photographers and one of the judges giving his speech at the launch ceremony on July 26 in London. [Zhu Ruoxi]
Currently, submissions are open, and photographers have the opportunity to submit their images for consideration until October 31.
The announcement of the winners is scheduled for December, and the selected photographs will be showcased in both digital (online) and physical exhibitions.
Notably exceptional images will be compiled into a commemorative album and featured in postcards.
For more details, participants can visit the official website at https://chinaukpc.com
Poster of the “Beauty Across Borders: China-UK Photography Competition”
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