VISA pour l’Image

As always, the 2024 VISA pour l’Image, now into its 36th year, promises to bear witness to the realities of our planet, in all their diversity, complexity, horror and beauty.

With a new president, Pierre Conte, the association continues to defend photojournalism with the same determination and passion as always.

Perpignan is once again the proud host of VISA pour l’Image from Saturday 31st August to Sunday 15th September 2024.

Featuring exhibitions by some of the world’s leading documentary photographers, as well as up-and-coming professionals and skilled amateurs (through the “OFF” programme of fringe events in local cafés, shops and other spaces), VISA is a well-established event on the end-of-summer calendar.

The modern event is a far cry from the 1989 festival, when exhibitions were without titles, images without legends and viewing was warped by the halos of condensation behind the glass.

But in terms of ethos, VISA stands staunchly firm: (re)discovering and promoting forgotten photographers, honouring those killed, imprisoned or silenced, confirming new talent and providing a public arena for discussion on current, but often difficult, topics.

And in a climate where public trust in the media is declining, more than ever, the festival represents a pillar of democracy, decency and humanity.

Organisation

– Exhibitions will be open from 10am to 8pm everyday, and entrance is free

– Online exhibitions, via the site

– Evening projections of the year’s biggest news stories at the Campo Santo

– Screenings begin with a chronological review of the year’s news stories, followed by reports and features on society, conflicts, and stories, both highly and little publicised. There will also be retrospectives of major events and figures.

Documenting History

After 36 years, VISA continues to live up to its reputation as vital in documenting history and giving a voice to those who so often go unheard.

Whittling down the thousands of worthy applications to just 20 finalists is no mean feat and goes to show the calibre of work on display.

Watch this space for exhibitions, we’ll update the article as they’re announced (images here are from last year’s festival).

Venues

Exhibitions will be presented in the following historical and cultural spots of Perpignan. Find out more about the venues here.

2023 Campo Santo projections

(Again, we’ll update for 2024 as the information comes in)

☛War in Ukraine
☛Earthquake in Turkey & Syria
☛Conflicts: Iran, Sudan, Myanmar
☛Effects of climate change
☛French retirement reforms
☛Elections in Brasil
☛Homages to Roger Pic, William Klein, Douglas Kirkland…