Decade of Roma Inclusion Photo Contest

The Open Society Institute and Open Society Archives announce an international photography contest entitled "Chachipe." Chachipe means truth, reality, or right, in Romanes. As part of the Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005-2015, which focuses on fundamentally improving the socioeconomic status and social inclusion of Roma, this contest aims to help combat visual stereotypes associated with Roma, and to present Roma people and culture sensitively and artistically.

The contest is open to all, regardless of citizenship, residence, or ethnic affiliation, but submissions by photographers of Roma origin are especially encouraged. The contest is open to professional and amateur photographers alike. Photos submitted for the contest should deal with one of the themes of the Decade of Roma Inclusion and must have been taken since the beginning of 2005 in one or more of the participating countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, and Slovakia. After voting by an international jury of professionals and the public, prizes will be awarded in five categories. The best of the submitted photos will be displayed in an exhibition at Galeria Centralis in Budapest in fall 2007, and a selection of photos will appear in a publication early next year.



Categories are:

1. Best News Photo
2. Best Portrait Photo
3. Best Photo Essay (a series consisting of maximum 5 photos)
4. Best Family Photo
5. Public's Favorite Photo, as determined by voting (click here).

The winner in each of the first four categories will receive a prize of US$1,000. In the fall of 2007, all winners will have the opportunity to visit, at the contest organisers' expense, the Roma Pavilion at the Venice Contemporary Art Biennale.

The application deadline is July 31 2007.