Since its inception in 2000, Chobi Mela International Festival of Photography has aimed at exploring the semiotics of present-day photographic practice in a broad international context, to bring about an understanding of the medium both within the industry and amongst the public at large. The theme for Chobi Mela VII this year is Fragility, and it will present the creative work of established as well as hitherto unknown photographers. The multi-faceted festival will be launched on 25 January 2013. The festival will bring together print and digital presentations that challenge the traditional perceptions of art reaching out to the public through gallery, open-air/unconventional locations and mobile touring exhibitions. Parallel to the exhibitions there will be workshops, discussions, seminars and lectures that will initiate debates and discussions on issues central to contemporary photographic practice. The past festivals, thematically addressed Differences, Exclusion, Resistance, Boundaries, Freedom and Dreams gave an opportunity to fine art photographers, conceptual artists and photo journalists, to explore social inequality, in its myriad forms.

The Chobi Mela VII, 2013

Theme: Fragility Festival opening: 25 January, 2013 Exhibition Venues: Alliance Française de Dhaka, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bengal Gallery, Dhaka Art Center, Drik Gallery, Lichutala-Dhaka University. Festival duration: 2 weeks (25 January-7 February 2013) Evening presentations: 1 week (25 January – 1 February 2013), venue Goethe-Institut. The festival will feature:

• 33 Solo Print Exhibitions
• Digital presentations
• Workshops
• Portfolio review
• Discussions/Seminars/Lectures
• Presentations by Picture Libraries/Agencies
• Review of image-related publications/Book launches
• Publication ceremony
• Film screenings
• Video conferences
• Lifetime Achievement award

Participating countries: 23 Source: Chobi Mela Photo:  The mobile Chobi Mela VI exhibition in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Credits: Wahid Adnan/Drik/Majority World