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Capture the World: Join the 9th Hokkaido Youth Photo Festival Exchange Project!

Capture the World: Join the 9th Hokkaido Youth Photo Festival Exchange Project!

Are you passionate about photography and eager to explore new horizons? Here's your chance to showcase your talent on an international stage!

Background: Partnering with Higashikawa City in Hokkaido, the UCD Centre for Japanese Studies presents an exciting opportunity for secondary school students in Ireland. As part of Higashikawa’s cultural exchange funding program, Ireland has been invited to participate in the prestigious Youth Photo Festival, uniting 23 countries in a celebration of artistic expression.

Selection Process: Stand out as your school's representatives! Our selection committee, comprising professionals in the field, will choose one team to represent Ireland at the festival in August 2024.

Eligibility: Gather your creative crew! Teams of three students from secondary schools are eligible. Students must be currently in 3rd, 4th or 5th year. With a teacher as your advisor, dive into the world of international cultural exchange through the lens of photography.

Theme: "The Charm of Your Region" – Unveil the beauty and uniqueness of your surroundings through your photographic storytelling.

Submission Rules: Submit a series of six digital photos reflecting your interpretation of the theme. Follow the submission guidelines closely for your chance to shine on the global stage.

Summary: The winners will pack their camera and embark on an unforgettable journey to Higashikawa, the Town of Photography, from August 19th to 24th, 2024. Departing Dublin during the week of the 12th August.  Immerse yourself in captivating landscapes and cultural exchanges as you participate in photo sessions and engage in enriching activities including sessions on Japanese language and culture. This is an unparalleled opportunity to expand your artistic horizons, foster cross-cultural connections, and leave your mark on the world stage. Don't miss out on this transformative experience!

9th International High School Students’ Photo Festival Exchange [HIGASHIKAWA Youth Fest.]
For more information visit (opens in a new window)higashikawa-youth-fest.jp.

Application Form [for entries from Ireland]
(opens in a new window)https://higashikawa-youth-fest.jp/common/pdf/guidelines-irl.pdf

Application Deadline for Irish Entries: 
5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 (Irish Standard Time) 

Email Addresses for Submitting the Works [with the Application Form] to both
Organizer: (opens in a new window)kouryu@town.higashikawa.hokkaido.jp
Coordinator: (opens in a new window)Japan@ucd.ie [Ms. Nobuko IJICHI, UCD Centre for Japanese Studies] 
See the application form for details.  It is important to ensure you meet all requirements.

The winners will be informed in the first week of June.

Let your creativity illuminate the world!