After a notable absence of seven years, the acclaimed World Press Photo Exhibition is making its much-anticipated return to London. This prestigious event is set to unfold at Borough Yards, Dirty Lane, London, SE1 9AD, from Friday, 3rd May, to Monday, 27th May 2024. Renowned for its role in highlighting the apex of photojournalism and documentary photography globally, the World Press Photo Contest is at the heart of this exhibition, showcasing a captivating array of powerful images.
Tickets for this must-see exhibition are now available for purchase, offering attendees an extraordinary opportunity to engage with compelling stories and perspectives from around the globe. The World Press Photo Foundation’s core mission is to foster a deeper connection between individuals and the significant narratives shaping our world. Visitors are encouraged to transcend the everyday news cycle and critically reflect on diverse issues, facilitated by an extensive collection of high-quality visual stories aimed at enriching and enlightening viewers.
The foundation, established in 1955, has a long history of celebrating outstanding photojournalism and documentary photography. Annually, the competition highlights the previous year’s most impactful works, bringing them to the attention of millions worldwide. With the exhibition travelling to over 60 cities across more than 40 countries, its influence and reach are truly remarkable.
London Exhibition Director, Woody Anderson, spoke of the event’s unique position within the realm of visual storytelling, emphasizing the dedication and often hazardous efforts photographers undertake to capture these poignant moments. He remarked on the exhibition’s remarkable capacity to evoke a shared consciousness and bring critical news stories into sharp focus, highlighting its significant absence from London’s cultural scene in recent years.
Joumana El Zein Khoury, the Executive Director of the World Press Photo Foundation, expressed her excitement over the exhibition’s return to London, a pivotal cultural centre. She envisions the exhibition as a longstanding feature within the capital, providing a vibrant platform for the foundation’s impactful visual narratives.
This year’s venue, Borough Yards, situated near London Bridge and amidst the historic Victorian railway arches, offers an ideal backdrop for the exhibition. Lily Lin, UK Managing Director for Borough Yards, emphasized the location’s cultural significance and its role as a beacon of artistic and historical expression. Hosting the World Press Photo Exhibition, alongside other dynamic cultural initiatives, further cements Borough Yards’ position as a focal point for creative and cultural experiences in London.
The 67th World Press Photo Contest of 2024 received an overwhelming response with 61,062 entries from 3,581 photographers representing 130 countries. A dedicated panel of 31 international professionals meticulously reviewed submissions over six weeks, with regional winners set to be unveiled on 3rd April 2024, followed by the global winners on 18th April, just ahead of the London exhibition opening.
The contest’s structure encompasses six worldwide regions and invites entries across four format-based categories, welcoming a spectrum of stories that encapsulate news, events, and diverse issues of social, political, and environmental significance.
For those eager to immerse themselves in the world of exceptional photojournalism and documentary photography, the exhibition opens its doors from Friday, 3rd May to Monday, 27th May 2024 at Borough Yards, Dirty Lane, London SE1 9AD. Tickets, starting from £5, are available now, promising an unforgettable experience that transcends traditional storytelling and connects audiences to the stories that truly matter.