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A Platform for Art and Ideas
FotoFest® created the first international Biennial of Photography
and Photo-related Art in the United States. FotoFest ®
is an international non-profit photographic arts and education organization
based in Houston, Texas.
FotoFest's purpose is to promote the exchange of art and ideas through international programs and the
presentation of photographic art. Our programs work globally and locally, bringing together an
international vision of art and cross-cultural exchange with a commitment to community involvement and
the enrichment of Houston's cultural resources.
In addition to its internationally known Biennial, FotoFest sponsors Inter-Biennial programs - exhibitions,
international exchange programs, and publications. In grades 3-12, FotoFest operates a year-round classroom
education program, Literacy Through Photography, using photography to strengthen writing skills, visual
literacy, and cognitive learning.
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History
FotoFest was founded in 1983 by documentary photographers and journalists, Frederick Baldwin and
Wendy Watriss, and European gallery director, Petra Benteler. The first biennial, citywide Month
of Photography was held in 1986 in Houston, Texas. Ten consecutive Biennials have been held every
two years since that time.
In 1990, FotoFest created its year-round education program, Literacy Through Photography, in
collaboration with photographer-educator, Wendy Ewald.
Also that year, FotoFest began a program of inter-Biennial traveling photography shows, international
exchange programs, and publications. In 1999, FotoFest moved its office-gallery site to a restored
downtown warehouse, Vine Street Studios, with permanent exhibition space.
The FotoFest Biennial and art programs are known as platforms for ideas and discovery, combining
museum-quality art with important social and aesthetic issues. The Biennial exhibitions curated
by FotoFest give priority to the works of important but little-known photographic artists from
the U.S. and around the world.
In addition to exhibitions, the FotoFest Biennial features a large portfolio review program for
photographic artists, a film and video series, conferences, multi-media installations, a Fine
Print Auction, and four-color exhibition catalogue.
FotoFest's Sponsors include private foundations; corporations; local, national and international
government agencies; and individual contributors. Earned revenues come from Biennial programs,
education fees, and fundraising events.
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