MEATS and La Casa Encendida develop educa- tional kit with Now You See Me Moria collective

The directors of nine photography organisations in the Netherlands that currently form the core of Platform Fotografie Nederland (PFN), wrote an open letter to the minister of Culture Ms. Ingrid van Engelshoven on November 9.

In the letter, the Nederlands Fotomuseum, BredaPhoto, Zilveren Camera, Paradox, Noorderlicht, FOTODOK, Maria Austria Institute, World Press Photo, Museum Hilversum as well as the organisation representing photography professionals in the Netherlands, Dupho, request the minister to revoke the decisions made by the Mondriaan Fund in the framework of the Kunstpodia (‘Art Stages’) scheme introduced in 2020. Over the two years of its existence, the scheme has managed to marginalise photography. No more than a meagre 4.4% of the available €10 million was granted to organisations dealing with photography, leaving well established festivals as Noorderlicht and BredaPhoto, as well as production house Paradox in the dust.
Studying the Kunstpodia criteria and their interpretation reveals the underlying problem that PFN has made its main focus: photography is administratively considered to be a genre of fine arts. The largest and most influential visual medium of our times, needs its own title in the framework of the national cultural policy for the visual arts at large, however.
‘The success of photography museums in the Netherlands over the past 25-30 years has demonstrated the public, artistic and social power of this medium-specific approach. It is only logical to harmonize the policy with regard to professionals, smaller-scale presentation organisations, festivals, producers and other parties relevant to the sector’ PFN writes in the letter to the minister. ‘We therefore ask you to take the necessary (historical) steps to grant photography an independent position in the cultural system in the coming cabinet term. In accordance with the situation for the other (major) visual arts: film, design, architecture and, of course, fine arts.’
PFN is aware of the fact that similar developments are happening across Europe: in France a medium-specific approach with regard to the photobook has been put in place as part of the policy for literature, in Germany a newly established German Photo Council (Photorat) was established in order to be able to participate in the overarching Deutscher Kulturrat e.V. (German Cultural Council). Inspiring signs, let’s keep each other informed! The PFN website has been made bilingual, do not hesitate to write: connect@platformfotografienederland.org

Treat your loved ones (or yourself!) with a gift with historical relevance, or choose from our classic titles.
Discover Emeric Lhuisset’s compelling portraits in Maydan, taken in Kyev in 2014 when thousands of Ukrainians had taken to the streets, tired of the corruption and the Russian grip on their country. With Time to Change (Het moet anders in Dutch) Hans van der Meer managed to start the debate on sustainable dairy farming with farmers and consumers together at public centres. One year later farmers in the Netherlands would block highways and city centres at various occasions. Turtle 1 is the incredible story of artist Melle Smets and sociologist Joost van Onna. Out of interest in informal economies they facilitated the development and building of a highly versatile African car, entirely based on recycled parts. The incredible mechanics and craftsmen of Suame Magazine (Ghana) managed to fix the job in 12 weeks only.
Or have a look at Me We, portrait photographer Koos Breukel’s monumental tribute to life spanning 30 years of his career, taking portrait of artists, politicians, beloved ones and friends. The chronology of the book follows the age of the sitters; from unborn to over 100 of age.
Do not forget to consider our latest book: Frank van der Salm’s remarkable 2021 publication NOWHERE. The book features more than 200 of his most iconic photographs of the past 25 years, critically studying global cities and urban landscapes. All packed in a radical, beautiful design by Irma Boom. When buying the Now You See Me Moria Action Book or Action Kit one has the material in hands to actively use the content for exhibitions, protests or meetings, creating visibility of the refugees locked in at camp Moria on Lesbos. Purchasing the book holding 449 posters by international designers based on photographs made by the refugees themselves, is also contributing to financial support for people in the camp.