2024 theme

The Story of Life

The reality bubbling outside the window is a daily reminder of the impermanence of existence and a question of whether we know how long we each have left on this planet. It asks us to remember that our existence does not depend solely on us but also to pause and reflect on the information we are giving out and the mark we will leave when we leave.

The 2nd International Photography and Media Art Festival (IPMA) asks what a life story is and how it can be told in a way that is captivating, uncommon, sensitive, and humanistic. The theme of the open call is limited to two words but completely democratic and invites us to look at media as a key that liberates instead of framing.

The works of the artists who responded to the open call will be evaluated by an international jury, including 1st IPMA participants Boris Eldagsen (Germany), Jukka Hautamäki (Finland), and Zane Cerpina and Stahl Stenslie (Norway), among others. Selected entries will be exhibited at the IPMA exhibition, which will take place from 1-31 October at the M. Žilinskas Art Gallery in Kaunas.

During the festival period in 2024 October 1 – October 31 selected projects will be exhibited during the festival.

The International Photography and Media Art Festival is the newest event of its kind in Europe. The festival creates a space for contemporary artists, professionals, students and amateurs to exchange experiences, make new connections and start joint projects in the future. All selected artists have an excellent opportunity to be promoted to a wide, dedicated audience, critics and curators.

Why is it worth participating in the International Festival of Photography and Media Art?

Individual or group exhibition of works in Kaunas city center
The invitation to participate in lectures and performances
Exhibition and publication opportunities offered by festival partners
Long-term representation and promotion of the festival
Publication of works and inclusion in the Festival program
International press attention

All photography and media art professionals, students and enthusiasts are invited to participate in the art festival.

MISSION

The International Photography and Media Art Festival is a non-profit organization created to spread information about media art and photography, to attract and maintain interest in the presentation, development and promotion of these art forms, to strengthen existing and establish new cooperation with higher education institutions that have a media art direction.

FESTIVAL

During the festival, open discussions and lectures on photography and the possibilities of media art and creativity are organized. The aim of the festival is to help artists communicate with the public and experts in the field of photography and media art. We give artists access to an international network where they can find new opportunities for work, publication and exhibition.

EVENTS

All IPMA festival events are free of charge. The festival program includes artist talks, seminars, portfolio reviews, and media art/photography installations. Exhibition openings, lectures, and portfolio reviews will take place 2024 10 01 – 2024 10 06.

PLACE

The selected artists’ projects will be exhibited at the M. Žilinskas Art Gallery in Kaunas. Lectures, portfolio reviews, and meetings with artists will take place at various locations in the city center.

The 2024 IPMA International Photography and Media Art Festival team:

Festival Founder, Director, and Exhibition Curator: Svetlana Batura
Design Solutions: Aurimas Mickus
Texts, Translations, and Communication: Ieva Klimaitė
Exhibition Architecture: Sigita Simona Paplauskaitė
Exhibition Installations: Irmantas Kuskys
Communication: Irutė Tumaitė
Video, Animation: Mindaugas Arlinskas
Exhibition Curation: Severina Venckutė, Artūras Morozovas, Austėja Boreišaitė
Texts: Audrė Gruodytė
Exhibition Photo Documentation: Sebastijonas Petkus
Photo Printing: Andrius Repšys
Installation Elements: Birutė Šležienė
Essential Contributions: Lukas Alsys, Jurgita Buožienė, Žilvinas Glušinskas, Anastasija Zaburdiajevaitė, Rugilė Žvirblytė, Patricija Gagaitė, Ida Daiva Povilaitė The students and professors of the Photography Program at the Art Academy of Kaunas Kolegija