Global artists and photographers to speak at FORMAT conference

An award-winning artist and photographer and a well-known American artist, photographer and book publisher, will be among the inspiring speakers at a special conference to launch this year’s FORMAT international photography festival.

Oliver Frank Chanarin and James Stanford will be among those addressing the FORMAT23 Conference, at QUAD, on Friday 17 March.

The conference, open to all, will explore the role of photography in today’s world.

Organised by Dr Philip Harris and Dr Gemma Marmalade from the University of Derby’s School of Arts, the conference adopts the festival’s theme, ‘What Photography Can Be’.

Addressing the shift in people’s perspectives since Covid-19 lockdowns, it will examine the possibilities of photography’s role during a time of challenging conditions, relationships and identities – for nations as well as individuals.

Oliver Frank Chanarin, who will deliver one of the keynote speeches, is one half of the duo Broomberg & Chanarin, whose 23-year partnership created a wealth of artworks held in prestigious locations such as the Pompidou in Paris, and the Tate Gallery and Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Other speakers include internationally-acclaimed American artist James Stanford, a leading figure in the development of the historical Las Vegas art community.

The conference runs from 9am to 5.30pm at QUAD. Delegates will then be taken to the university’s Markeaton Street Gallery for the launch of five FORMAT exhibitions, performances and speeches from 6 to 8pm.

The Gallery is a new public exhibition space, which will be officially opened at this event.

Among the exhibitions is one created by University of Derby students and their counterparts at Nevada State College Office for the Arts during a recent visit there.

The conference is one of the first events taking place during the FORMAT international photography festival, which runs from 17 March to 9 April at venues across the city.

Organised by QUAD and the university, it is supported by Arts Council England, Derby City Council and multiple partners from the UK and abroad.

Professor Alex Molasiotis, pro vice-chancellor dean for the College of Arts, Humanities and Education at the University of Derby, who will open the conference, said: “The university is delighted to be working with our partners to bring the FORMAT international photography festival to Derby.

“It is a pleasure to be welcoming photographers and artists from around the world to this event, which is an important part of our city’s vibrant and diverse cultural offering.

“The festival is also an excellent opportunity for our students to gain real-world experience; at the conference they will be supporting in a variety of roles, including stewards, co-ordinators, photographers and videographers.”

Niamh Treacy, FORMAT curator and coordinator at QUAD, said: “We are excited to be hosting the FORMAT23 Conference at QUAD for the 11th edition of the FORMAT biennale.

“Together with our partners at the University of Derby, an incredible list of inspirational speakers and practitioners has been put together.”

To book your place at the FORMAT23 Conference visit here.

For full details of all the events taking place during FORMAT23 visit here.