Photography Workshop with David Kendall

6th ETNOFILm – Photography Workshop with David Kendall

The application deadline is prolonged until March 10th 2014

The 6th edition of the ETNOFILm – Festival of Ethnographic Film is organized by the Ethnographic Museum of Istria and will host David Kendall as a photography workshop leader in Rovinj, Croatia from April 22 – 24 2014, with a topic Tourism, architectural development, visual and cultural Perceptions of land use along the Adriatic coastlines. Kendall’s photography and research explore how spatial, economic and design initiatives, as well as participatory practices, combine to encourage social and spatial interconnections or conflict in cities. He designs advocacy projects, conducts qualitative research, spatial engagement and consultation strategies and implements media campaigns. Kendall is a visiting research fellow within the Centre for Urban and Community Research, Goldsmiths, University of London, UK.

Tourism and architectural development are embedded in the physical and social geography of the Istrian peninsula, influencing contemporary visual identities and cultural perceptions of land use in the region. Therefore if tourism is promoted as a central strategy for economic growth in Croatia, what complex and contradictory spatial effects and social considerations may manifest within built environments? How does foreign direct investment in new real estate markets and construction of new upmarket resort architecture enhance privatisation of Adriatic coastal topography? In addition how may these locations contrast with the controlled density, site and composition of existing architecture and recreational zones built during the era of the Yugoslavian republics? Consequently how is global tourism affecting physical environments and local culture along regional coastlines, and for whom does structural development exist?

This three-day workshop will utilise digital photography and participatory research methods to explore these questions / themes within the urban landscape of Rovinj. Participants will be introduced to practical, theoretical, aesthetic and ethical considerations that surround visual practice and urban research. Also group activities and discussions will consider how visual narratives could link local specificities, environmental concerns, spatial planning and sustainable development within global debates about tourism. Furthermore individuals will investigate established spatial codes, leisure / cultural activities, social routines and encounters between people and architecture with photography. Therefore identifying relationships between ocular identity, economic activity, social investment in tourism and urbanisation in Rovinj and on the Istrian peninsula.

The workshop is open to students/researchers of anthropology and related disciplines, and to anyone interested in visual anthropological issues and photography. Previous knowledge and basic experience of visual anthropology (or other social sciences) and photography is welcome. Each day group discussions / peer reviews will take place and participants will develop and present their own projects; a series of photographs on a specific theme. These images will be will be projected on the last day in an exhibition showcase within the MMC.

The workshop is limited to 12 participants. Successful applicants will be notified by 7th of March, 2014 and will be asked to confirm participation by paying the registration fee. This includes lectures, work material, daily snacks, one daily meal, free participation in other festival events and free movie screenings. Participants should possess a 35mm digital SLR camera and bring laptop computer to download and edit their images.

The applicants should send a PDF document with a 150-200 word CV / biography, 4 photos (with captions) of existing work and a 200-300 word abstract explaining why they want to take part and what they hope to gain from participation in the workshop. All documents should be sent to: etnofilm.workshop@gmail.com

Workshop cost: 54 euro / 40 euro
For all participants we are offering accommodation in the hotel and apartments. Approximate prices: 15 / 20 euros per night. More details on accommodation will be available soon.

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