Canon Europe is proud to announce its annual programme of activities for Visa pour I’Image 2018 in Perpignan, France. Now in its 30^th year, the 2018 International Festival of Photojournalism marks 29 years of partnership with Canon. As part of its commitment to championing the role photography plays in telling the stories that need to be told, Canon releases an inspiring line-up of events, exhibitions and panel discussions, as well as confirming the return of Canon’s ever-growing student programme.

Nurturing the next generation of visual storytellers

For a second consecutive year Canon will bring 200 talented photography students from across Europe, Middle East and Africa to the festival to participate in a three-day developmental workshop. Students will join lectures, guided tours and have valuable interactions with inspiring, industry professionals as part of Canon’s renowned student programme. Three previous student participants - including Ksenia Kuleshova who now photographs for the New York Times - will give lectures as part of the educational line-up. The programme also includes the opportunity for portfolio reviews where students can showcase their work to industry-leading experts, including Canon Ambassadors Giulio Di Sturco and Alvara Ybarra Zavala. 

Richard Shepherd, Pro Marketing Manager, Canon Europe, comments on the programme: “We know these students are incredibly passionate about building a career in photography and that’s not always easy as competition is incredibly fierce. Our student programme and our support of Visa pour I’Image is about giving greater access to the photography community. It’s about providing the generation of today and tomorrow with an elevated platform to develop their creative and technical capabilities through the exchange of creative ideas, establishment of new relationships and access to captivating lectures and seminars.”

Celebrating the best of female photojournalism

Back for 2018, and for the eighteenth consecutive year, Canon will sponsor the prestigious Female Photojournalist of the Year award, bestowed to an outstanding female photographer in recognition of her contribution to visual storytelling. This year’s winner, Laura Morton, will be formally presented with her award in acknowledgement of her project on ‘University Avenue’, which explores the impact of the technology industry on the California Bay area.  

On stand at this year’s festival, Canon will also be showcasing the exhibition of the 2017 winner, Catalina Martin-Chico, with her report on the baby boom amongst former members of the FARC in Colombia.

Lastly, between 15:00 and 16:30 on Wednesday 5^th September, Canon will be hosting a panel discussion moderated by Hilary Roberts, Canon Ambassador and Research Curator of Photography at the Imperial War Museum in London, titled ‘In Search of Balance:  Women and Photojournalism’. Participating panelists will include this year's winner of the Female Photojournalist of the Year award, Laura Morton, and previous award winners Ilvy Njiokiktjien (Canon Ambassador and 2011 recipient) and Catalina Martin-Chico (2017 recipient).

Professional networking and touch-and-try opportunities

Canon will facilitate interactive touchpoints for professionals, enthusiasts and students alike. The Canon Space, located at the festival’s headquarters in Perpignan’s Palais des Congres, will be an interactive showcase, encouraging a hands-on experience with Canon’s product portfolio.

In addition, all accredited photographers can receive a complimentary check-and-clean service by the expert technicians from Canon Professional Services (CPS). 

For further details on Canon’s involvement at Visa pour I’Image, please visit:

www.canon-europe.com/pro/events/visa-pour-l-image