For one to qualify for the exclusive exhibition, which is expected to showcase the best of the best, aspirants will have to take part in a national photography competition, from which about 22 photographs will be selected for showcasing.
According to Maun-based poet and wildlife photographer, Tshepo Phokoje, the brains behind the event and director of Vixen Excursions, the idea is to showcase the beauty of Botswana and document its rich history and diverse cultural heritage.
Phokoje also said since the invention of photography in the 19th century, Africa has been defined largely by Western images of its cultures and traditions and that should now change as the locals have the ability to tell their story. As someone who has staged solo photography exhibitions in the past, Phokoje feels there is need to recognise the amount of talent in the country while using the opportunity to tell “our stories through the lens”.
“It has worried me for a while why we don't have a local photography competition yet we have so much to share and beautiful stories to tell through our cameras. And that's how this concept was birthed,” Phokoje said. She further stated that the inaugural annual Vixen Excursions Photography Competition & Exhibition, which is part of the Botswana Tourism Organisation’s (BTO) calendar of events, opened for entries from March 18 until April 18 at midnight. Judging will take place from April 19, 2024 and the successful participants will be contacted in May 2024 to attend an exhibition of their work, scheduled for May 2024 in Maun, Botswana. Entries will compete in the categories such as Culture Photography, Street Photography, Landscape, Wildlife (Sub-category - Mammals) and Wildlife (Sub-category - Birds) She said the entries must encompass the “beauty of Botswana through our lens”, which is the theme of the event. Phokoje noted that the successful participants’ work will be printed for an exhibition scheduled for May. “This is an opportunity to the photographers because the exhibition will be held during the peak period of tourism.
Their work will mounted and put up for sale as well. Participants whose artworks will be selected stand to benefit a lot in terms of exposure and potential sale,” she explained. For the competition, Phokoje explained that she has engaged a judging panel, which comprises seasoned photographers who are passionate about storytelling using photography as a medium. Furthermore, she said only entries that are of Botswana wildlife, landscapes, and/or culture will be accepted. Entrants must submit photos either to https://forms.gle/FHdfYGArW9GJsAsZA or via email to ([email protected]).
Following this, successful participants will be contacted and invited for an exhibition with Vixen Excursions bearing the costs of transport accommodation and meals for those not residing in Maun. The competition and exhibition is open to people and entrants must be 18 years and older Botswana citizens. “Photos that have at any time before the finalisation of this competition won other photographic competition/s (including category winners) or exhibited/shared on any social media/online platform will not be considered. She explained that these photographs should be a truthful depiction of a natural moment and be respectful of the culture depicted.
