^[1]On May 10 we are launching the 11th edition of Fotofestiwal. We have divided this year’s programme into a few blocks: I*NETWORK. Human connection, Grand Prix, Education and Accompanying Events. We have also prepared something special – the first public presentation of one of the biggest Polish photography collections and Masterclass workshops.

The I*NETWORK. Human connection block is: a curator exhibition, a presentation of collectives, meet-the-author sessions and accompanying events. The programme has been built around the idea of community and cooperation. We want to check what is the importance of cooperation, community, the “Internetness” of today’s world for photography, its makers and consumers? What are the effects of activities based on cooperation and collective action? And how various photography communities develop and function?

The Obraz zmian (Picturing the Difference) exhibition, presented within the framework of I*NETWORK, for the Fotofestiwal has been prepared by Gergely László and Bill Kouwenhoven. It shows seven individual projects with space and community as their focal point and cooperation as their creative method. The artists base on archival research, networking and social intervention. They make use of modern technology and photographical resources of global community. They do not limit themselves to one medium and they treat photography as a cognitive tool and a means of storytelling. We will also see the works of i.e. Yann Gross, Luca Nimcova. The exhibition will be accompanied by meet-the-author sessions and discussions.

On May 10 the Grand Prix Fotofestiwal winner’s name will be revealed. We have 12 nominations, selected by international jury from 400 applications. Only one project will be presented in the form of an exhibition, only one artist will receive the Grand Prix and a prize of PLN 10 000. The remaining 11 will be presented in the form of night slide shows, prepared especially for the festival.

One of unique events of the festival will be the first public presentation of selected works from one of the biggest Polish photography collections. The Uwikłane w płeć (Tied Up in Gender) exhibition, curated by Adam Mazur, will present the works of great Polish artists, among others Zbigniew Libera, Jerzy Lewczyński, Natalia LL, Aneta Grzeszykowska and Tadeusz Rolke – to name only a few of those whose works will be shown in the Museum of City.

The Education block presents, above all, the first edition of unique Masterclass workshops. During comprehensive workshops run by Simon Norfolk (the winner of the World Press Photo 2012) our guests will have the opportunity to learn why light is the most important element of storytelling and how it should be used properly.

The accompanying exhibitions will be available to be seen all around the city, but the majority of the events will take place in Grohman’s villa. Once again we will spend May days in this extraordinary place, which, although located in the city centre, makes you feel as if you were at the Sopot Pier – the building with fascinating history, inspiring atmosphere, many photographs, interesting people, long conversations and discussions, park in the city centre and, hopefully, a little bit more sun then last year…

We would like to invite all the guests to Łódź between May 10 and 20.