2019 FOCI PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION: CONCLUSION & EXHIBITION
The 2019 FOCI Photography Competition was QAI’s inaugural program that aimed to use artistic expression as a means of defining the U.S.-Qatar relationship outside of the usual parameters of military and economic cooperation. The theme chosen for QAI’s 2019 FOCI Photography Competition was “The U.S.-Qatar Journey.” This theme aims to celebrate the over four decades of partnership between the two nations, the many shared ties and achievements between the two communities, and the power of cross-cultural exchange. Winners selected took part in a U.S.based exhibition and gala. The first prize consisted of a $1000 gift card from B&H (a photography store). The second prize was a $500 gift card from B&H. The 3rd – 10th places consisted of
Qatar America Institute for Culture
honorable mentions and their photos displayed on our website, as well as featured in a book encapsulating the entire program. After 1,200+ submissions, the winners of the 2019 FOCI Exhibition were announced on January 13, 2020 after 20 selected finalists were reviewed by a panel of five esteemed judges. The 2019 FOCI Exhibition presents the top ten photographs possessing the highest average scores.
Program Launch Prior to announcing the start date of the FOCI competition, a robust submission infrastructure and filing system were created to both quickly and fairly process all incoming photograph submissions. A landing page for the FOCI photography program was
crafted along with a submission form that allowed any and all contestants to enter their photograph with ease. In addition to the submission infrastructure, clear guidelines and procedures regarding the rules of the competition were also crafted to limit any potential liabilities that could pose a problem to the contestants or the Qatar-America Institute. Lastly, reputable and accomplished photographers were invited to serve as judges on the judging panel. 5 judges, complimenting the theme of the competition, accepted the honor of being a part of the competition. The panel was composed of both Qataris and Americans.
2020 Annual Report
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