With curtains raised on the details of the MENA region’s only truly international photography festival, Xposure 2019, at a press conference in Sharjah today, the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) has yet again justified the high expectations of photography aficionados. Officials have revealed a packed programme for the fourth edition of Xposure International Photography Festival. Exhibitions, talks, seminars, workshops, portfolio reviews, competitions and trade expos under the four themes, ‘Xpose Adventure’, Xpose Emotions’, ‘Xpose Art’ and ‘Xpose Life’ will define Xposure 2019.

The press meet was held at Al Majaz Amphitheatre in the presence of Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Council, and HE Tariq Saeed Allay, Director of Sharjah Government Media Bureau.  

Xposure entrenches the important role of photography

Addressing members of media at the press conference, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Council, said: 357 photographers are here to share their experiences, their stories with us… The photo is their voice, and Sharjah is a cultural conduit that brings their voices into the UAE and the region. Soon, we will open the doors of Xposure to you all. Come and live brand new experiences through photography over four days, use the festival’s unique space to see thousands of images and meet the talents who created them. Sharjah is always keen to promote cultural dialogue. We, at Xposure, believe that photography is a universal language; one of the most effective tools to shed light on the truth.

He added: “We hope that the fourth edition of Xposure will open our eyes to new stories, help us see the world around us closely and realise our duties towards it, and inspire us to contribute towards changing our realities.”

Tariq Saeed Allay, Director of SGMB, highlighted the consistent and successful efforts of the festival organisers and participants alike, which have helped Xposure gain hugely in popularity and become a must-attend event for photography world’s greats, amateurs and the general public who are passionate about this art. He reaffirmed Xposure’s importance as a facilitator of open dialogue between artists and people who come together every year to share their professional and personal experiences, and in return, gain from those of others.

“Every year, Xposure further entrenches the importance of photography, the role of the image in revealing the different aspects of life through the festival’s exhibitions, panel discussions, film screenings and workshops by world-renowned photographers and industry experts. A photographer’s life is one of the most fascinating pursuits of creativity, one of the many reasons why photojournalists continue to go to conflict zones, despite the dangers that surround them,” he said.

Things to look forward to at Xposure 2019

46 indoor exhibitions

The popular four-day festival has grown manifold with more than 1,112 photographs by 357 lensmen, including contributions from some of the 53  photographers attending the festival. These works will be exhibited at 46 indoor and five outdoor exhibitions featuring 38 solo galleries comprising 744 images, and 8 group exhibitions with 264 images by 206 photographers. There will also be 3 Xposure Contest/Award exhibitions with 69 images and 7 short films by 67 entrants.

Outdoor exhibitions

The outdoor exhibitions, starting on September 8, will include the World Press Photo expo, with 45 images from 45 photographers, at Al Majaz Waterfront, and four different exhibitions at Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Deira City Centre and Mirdiff City Centre, with a total of 44 images.

Exclusive preview

A pre-viewing evening on September 18 will feature four galleries with guided tours by world-renowned photographers — Stephen Wilkes, Frans Lanting, Gabriel Wickbold and Will Burrard-Lucas. This is a by-invitation only event.

Competitions

A total of 14,757 entries were received for the international photography competition, which allows photographers from all age groups, backgrounds and experiences to enter under 11 categories, with one category being reserved exclusively for Sharjah Government staff. There is also a separate category for entrants below 18 years of age. Category-wise winners will also be chosen. Winners announcement will be made on the closing ceremony.

Timothy Allen Photography Scholarship Award (TAPSA)

The Timothy Allen Photography Scholarship Award (TAPSA) will offer its 10-day residency programme to five winners from among the 1,269 applicants this year. The winners of this edition of the scholarship are Shahab Naseri from Iran, Greece’s Anna Pantelia, Rossi Fang from Taiwan, Russian national Sergey Parshukov and Senthil Kumaran Rajendran from India.

17 specialised workshops to be delivered across 30 sessions

SGMB revealed that Xposure 2019 will be even bigger with a total of 17 dedicated workshops that will address various aspects of the art form, with 10 top photographers conducting the training sessions. These workshops with an average 2.5 hour duration and a 400-student capacity, will be spread across 30 sessions. The three workshop categories will encompass beginners as well as intermediate level photographers, and suitable for professionals who function at an advanced level.

Interactive studios

A great new concept to enhance visitors’ experience and give them first-hand insights into portrait photography is Xposure 2019’s Integrated Photography Studio. Here, photography enthusiasts will be taught the techniques and mechanisms of portrait photography by professionals. They will also get the opportunity to mingle with and learn from other attendees, and take home souvenir pictures.

33 seminars and inspiring talks

Xposure 2019 will also be a hub of learning and creativity with celebrated photography experts and leading photography companies coming together to spread their knowledge through 32 public seminars and one private seminar, focus groups and talks over the four days. A private discussion panel will also be held on the sidelines of the festival. Topics will include the latest knowhow of photography techniques, controversies over photo editing, the future of photography, the intrusions of street photography, and many more.

Portfolio reviews and focus groups

Xposure 2019 will continue its tradition of hosting expert reviews introduced last year. It has planned 48 review sessions with 8 legends in the field of photography reviewing the portfolios of 48 amateur and professional photographers in small groups. Additionally, 16 focus groups, each with a unique topic, will be organised over the four-day festival. Admission to focus group sessions is free of charge.

Trade shows

This year, organisers have claimed that the Xposure trade shows space will be even more exciting. SGMB has commissioned leading global names in the field to bring the latest products as well as top recommendations and advice to the public. In addition, they will be hosting special programmes including workshops and informative dialogues with attendees to boost their knowledge and photography skills.

Top photography publications and partnerships

In cooperation with, Sharjah World Book Capital Office, Xposure 2019 is bringing a collection of specialised photography books to the event. In line with SGMB’s mission is to support and integrate the cultural and artistic ecosystem in Sharjah and the UAE, Xposure has signed off on key partnerships not only with photography institutions, but with a broader range of public entities concerned with art and culture. Xposure 2019 partners include Sharjah Police, FUNN – Sharjah Media Arts for Youth and Children – who will organise several children’s workshops, and SHAMS.