The Formentera Department of Culture announces that now through 12 April, submissions will be accepted for the Beni Trutmann photography contest, a mythical local rendezvous that celebrates its 18th year in 2021.
The contest is a tribute to the distinguished Swiss photographer who called Formentera home for 44 years and left a library of over 30,000 prints illuminating his love for the island and for its natural beauty. For that very reason and in the spirit of Trutmann’s commitment to the environment, nature in all its forms, from flora and fauna to landscapes and humans’ place in the outdoors, commands the contest’s starring role.
Colour / Black & White
In the Colour and Black & White categories, participants can submit up to three prints (analog or digital) in square, digital, classic and panorama format. Contestants must state which prize —first, second or third, with cash prizes of €500, €300 and €200, respectively— they wish to compete for.
Political engagement
Although a relatively recent addition, the Fotodenúncia category —for photography that is political in nature, seeking to denounce injustices, demand change or encourage reflection on a particular environmental issue— has established itself as a key part of the Beni Trutmann contest. Cash prizes for the first-, second- and third-place winners are €500, €300 and €200, respectively.
Submissions to the Colour, Black & White and Fotodenúncia categories can be made in person at the Citizen’s Information Office (OAC) or by certified mail to Consell Insular de Formentera (Plaça de la Constitució, 1 | 07860 Sant Francesc) until 12 April 2021.
Smart shots
Tuned for youth aged 12 to 18, another category that has become wildly popular is for photographs taken with smartphones. These submissions must be sent before the end of the day on 12 April 2020 to concursfoto@conselldeformentera.cat. Contestants are asked to include no more than three photos taken with their smartphone.
Jury
A panel of judges will be made up of a spokesperson from the local chapter of the Balearic Association for Ornithology and the Defence of Nature (GEN-GOB); a representative of the local chapter of Obra Cultural Balear; three individuals renowned for their work in the visual arts; plus a speaker and secretary.
Winning submissions will be included in the Formentera Image and Sound Archive, the AISF, and become property of the Council, which reserves the right to reproduce them as it deems fit (on posters, signs, internet-based campaigns, etc), though not for profit.
History
In its 18 years, the Beni Trutmann competition has amassed a valuable archive of roughly 1,200 photos from 300 participants. No better proof of the contest's growth can be found than the participation of photographers from as far away as mainland Spain and other countries in Europe.
With the contest’s 2020 edition suspended following the declaration of emergency orders, councillor of culture Susana Labrador encouraged amateurs and pros alike to take part in Beni Trutmann 2021: “Given Covid-related restrictions, it’s been suggested we spend time outside and enjoy the island’s natural spaces, so get out there and show us your best!”
Exhibition and awards ceremony
To crown the contest's 18th edition, from Monday, 4 May, a selection of some fifty photos will be displayed in the Ajuntament Vell municipal gallery, and during a special ceremony selected photographers will receive their prizes. The exhibition will continue through 15 May. For more information and to see submission conditions, visit the Consell de Formentera website.
18 February 2021
Communications Department
Consell de Formentera
The Formentera Department of Commerce reports that 2 March marks the return of ‘Fent Pimef’, the local league of entrepreneurs’ programme of free courses to promote capacity building and provide consulting to businesses and employees.
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