encontros da imagem - international photography and visual arts festival

Encontros da Imagem is back for its 34th edition. Created in 1987, the international photography and visual arts festival is the oldest in this category in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe. Over the last three decades, Encontros has stood out as an essential platform for the dissemination and creation of photography. Since its first editions, the festival has focussed on presenting classic, established and emerging authors, from the local to the global scene. This work is essential for understanding not only the history of photography, but also the contemporary world. Through exhibitions, screenings, events and other activities, Encontros da Imagem promotes the development of visual and artistic literacy, reflecting on the world and society around us.
In the year in which we celebrate the 50th anniversary of 25 April, it is essential to reflect on our history in the context and discussion of the various histories that have been and are being created around the world. In recent years, colonialism has emerged as one of the central themes of contemporary photography, reflecting the interest in analysing society’s power structures, whether through family histories or documentary projects. In this edition, the festival questions what colonialism is today, promoting the debate around post-colonialism and decolonial thinking. Analysing how colonialism still manifests itself across society and what new forms of colonialism we are facing in the contemporary world are the motto for this 34th edition.

complete programme at encontrosdaimagem.com

support portuguese republic – culture / directorate-general for the arts. rtcp – network of portuguese theatres and cinemas