Caochangdi PhotoSpring – Arles in Beijing is an annual photography festival that brings together local and international photography in the vibrant setting of the Chinese capital. It was initiated in 2010 by two Beijing-based organizations, Thinking Hands and the Three Shadows Photography Art Centre. Its mission is to create and develop a high-profile platform in China entirely devoted to photography. Caochangdi PhotoSpring began with a three-year collaboration with the most important international photography festival, Les Rencontres d?Arles. The event is organized in conjunction with the French Embassy in China and is part of the Croisements Festival.

PhotoSpring 2012 is the third edition of this long -term collaboration with Arles. The festival has continued to broaden its international photography network as well as maintaining its emphasis on young Chinese photography. From the international photography world, PhotoSpring will feature 2011 Nadar Prize winner Jean-Christian Bourcart, Singaporean photographer Stefen Chow, and Japanese photographer Hisaji Hara. The Three Shadows Photography Award Exhibition will showcase the talents of a new generation of Chinese photographers while other exhibitions will allow young curators to share their views on contemporary Chinese photography . Caochangdi PhotoSpring will celebrate its relationship with the festival Les Rencontres d ?Arles through a special exhibition curated by its director Fran?ois Hébel, who will present Brian Griffin?s latest series, The Black Country , for the first time in China. The photography collection of the French region Pays de la Loire will also be a highlight of this year’s programme. In order to develop a productive networking platform for professionals and amateurs, we have also planned exciting activities during the opening week such as screenings, the PhotoFolio Review, and artists? talks. Partners in Caochangdi, the 798, and beyond will strengthen the PhotoSpring’s diverse programming by hosting more than 20 of the festivals shows.

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This year, Caochangdi PhotoSpring features about 30 exhibitions in partnership with galleries and institutions in Caochangdi, the 798, and beyond. This year, the opening weekend will take place on April 21–24 with events such as the PhotoFolio Review, conferences, debates and projections, including 'The Mexican Suitcase', a documentary by Thrisha Ziff about the discovery of legendary negatives from the Spanish Civil War shot by Robert Capa, Gerda Taro and David Seymour. PhotoSpring will run from April 21 to May 31 and showcase the work of more than 200 Chinese and international artists.

About the Photography Event?

Opening Ceremony: 3:00 pm on April 21st, 2012

Location: Three Shadows Photography Art Centre

Directors: Bérénice Angremy, Rong Rong & inri

Guest curator: Fran?ois Hébel, director of Les Rencontres d'Arles

Courtesy of Caochangdi PhotoSpring, for further information please?contact ?www.ccdphotospring.com.