The World Press Photo 2004 Exhibition

May 3–July 5, 2004

Washington, DC— In celebration of the Corcoran College of Art + Design’s first class of photojournalism graduates, the Corcoran will offer several photojournalism exhibitions throughout the summer. World Press Photo 2004, presented in partnership with The World Bank, is an internationally-recognized contest and exhibition which honors outstanding photographers and photojournalists from around the world. The exhibition opens on World Press Freedom Day, May 3, and remains on view at the Corcoran Gallery of Art through July 5, 2004.

“We live in chaotic times, and the images of World Press Photo 2004 reflect the drama of events of the past year,” notes Elisabeth Biondi, chair of the exhibition jury. “We saw heartbreaking pictures from conflicts in Iraq, Liberia and Iran; and moving pictures of an AIDS-infected village in China, and of the forgotten Hmong guerrillas in Laos.”

For example, in December 2003, Atta Kenare, of Agence France-Presse, captured a heart-wrenching scene: a father carrying his two sons to be buried after the earthquake in Bam, Iran. Kenare’s photograph is a vivid reminder that humanity will shine through despite adverse circumstances.

Each year the World Press Photo Foundation invites press photographers and photojournalists from around the world to participate in the World Press Photo Contest. This year, 4,176 professional photographers from 124 countries entered their work. The Foundation, which is based in Amsterdam, organizes a traveling exhibition comprised of the best photographs from each of the following categories: Spot News, General News, People in the News, Sports Action, Sports Features, Contemporary Issues, Daily Life, Portraits, Nature and Arts and Entertainment. The exhibition at the Corcoran features approximately 175 photographs.

“The Corcoran is pleased to partner with The World Bank in presenting this remarkable exhibition that complements the Corcoran College of Art + Design’s mission to educate future photojournalists,” comments David Levy, Corcoran President and Director. “Most photojournalism degrees are offered under the auspices of journalism programs, not art schools. The Corcoran College’s program is unique in that students augment their technical skills with the artistic underpinnings of fine art photography.”

ABOUT THE CORCORAN PHOTOJOURNALISM PROGRAM
Drawing directly upon the media resources of the nation’s capital, the Corcoran’s Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program in Photojournalism is an ideal training ground for a new generation of newspaper and magazine photographers and videographers. The faculty includes leading members of the White House News Photographers’ Association as well as world class picture professionals working at the National Geographic Society. These practitioner-teachers are widely acclaimed not only for their technical skills but also for their special understanding of the problems and responsibilities associated with creating images of national and world events, places and people. To learn more about the program, click here.

EXHIBITION ORGANIZATION & SPONSORSHIP
World Press Photo 2004 is organized by World Press Photo and sponsored by The World Bank Group in partnership with the Corcoran Gallery of Art.

EXHIBITION ITINERARY
For information on the exhibition itinerary, visit www.worldpressphoto.nl.

ABOUT WORLD PRESS PHOTO
World Press Photo is an independent non-profit organization, founded in the Netherlands in 1955. Its main aim is to support and promote internationally the work of professional press photographers. Over the years, World Press Photo has evolved into an independent platform for photojournalism and the free exchange of information. The organization operates under the patronage of H.R.H. Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands.

In order to realize its objectives, World Press Photo organizes the world’s largest and most prestigious annual press photography contest. The prizewinning photographs are assembled into this traveling exhibition, which is visited by over a million people in 40 countries every year. The yearbook presenting all prizewinning entries is published annually in seven languages.
Besides managing the extensive exhibition program, the organization closely monitors developments in photojournalism. Educational projects play an increasingly important role in World Press Photo’s activities. Seminars open to individual photographers, photo agencies and picture editors are organized in developing countries. The annual Joop Swart Masterclass, held in the Netherlands, is aimed at talented photographers at the start of their careers. They receive practical instruction and professional advice from leaders in the profession.

ABOUT THE CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART
A privately funded institution, the Corcoran Gallery of Art was founded in 1869 as Washington’s first
museum of art. It is known internationally for its distinguished collection of historical and modern American art as well as European painting, sculpture, photography and decorative arts. Founded in 1890, Corcoran College of Art + Design is Washington’s only 4-year college of art and design offering BFA degrees in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Digital Media Design, Photojournalism and Photography—and AFA degrees in Fine Arts, Interior Design and Photography. The College’s Continuing Education Program, which offers part-time credit and non-credit classes for children and adults, draws more than 3,500 participants each year.

The Corcoran Gallery of Art is located at New York Avenue and 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC, and is open every day, except Tuesday, 10 am – 5 pm and until 9 pm on Thursday. The Corcoran is closed every Tuesday. Admission to the Corcoran is: $6.75 for adults; $4.75 for senior citizens; $3 for students with valid ID and Members’ guests; and $12 for families. Admission Monday all day and Thursday after 5 pm is “pay as you wish.” Free for Members and children under 12. The public information line for the museum is (202) 639-1700. The information line for the college is (202) 639-1800.

:: View images and further details from this exhibition

CONTACT:
Kristin Guiter
Manager of Media Relations
(202) 639-1867,
kguiter@corcoran.org

Media Resources:

Advance Exhibition Schedule

Archived Press Releases