Boutographies

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Since 2001 The Boutographies -Rencontres Photographiques de Montpellier have been oriented towards young, emerging European talent. After seven years in the Boutonnet district (hence the name) the event moved in 2008 to the centre of Montpellier, where it now offers photographers, public and partners one of the finest exhibition spaces in the south of France. Grain d'Image is an association based in Montpellier, and is the organizing body for the Boutographies.
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A European ambition

In the course of the last four years the Rencontres have consolidated their presence on the European photography scene. An extensive communication programme has led to a wide visibility and an important increase in both the quantity, and quality, of work proposed. From just over 200 dossiers received in 2008, we have moved to just under 400 in 2010, representing fifteen European countries. Partnerships have been put in place with various French and foreign photographic events (the Month of the Photo Off in Paris, Voies Off in Arles, Fotoleggendo in Rome), and have already led to a number of exchanges and collaborations.

Each year, from June to November, potential exhibitors are sought via our applications system.

A jury composed of professionals concerned with the image selects fifteen works to be exhibited, and a further fifteen to be projected.

The principal criterion for selection is the originality of the author's approach. The jury takes into account all the diverse areas of contemporary photography.

Exhibition spaces of the highest quality

With its 600 sq. metres and 250 linear metres of wall space, spread over two floors, the Pavillon Populaire is one of the largest spaces dedicated to photography in Europe. It is the main exhibition space for the festival, and hosts approximately 60% of the works exposed. The other locations - the Musée Fabre and the Carré Ste Anne - are nearby in the historic centre. Other exhibitions, out of selection, are also to be found in the centre. Since 2010 a fringe festival (the Off) has been initiated by the association Buzz'Art.
For the projections and partnership evenings we have a fully equipped 300 place lecture theatre.

The Prizes

The Jury Prize
This prize rewards a young European photographer whose development is deemed particularly worthy of encouragement. It is not intended simply to honour a particular body of work, but to send a signal of support to a photographer who the jury believes has the potential to go much further.
The prize is an award of 1000 euros, plus the purchase of one or more prints by the Town of Montpellier for its permanent collection. This prize is awarded during the first weekend of the festival.

The Exchange Prize
This is the result of a partnership between the Boutographies and the festival Fotoleggendo in Rome. It consists of an exchange of exhibitions between the two festivals. A work exhibited at the Boutographies is chosen by the directors of Fotoleggendo to be exhibited in Rome in October, with the photographer's travel and hotel costs paid for, as well as the transport of the exhibition. This prize is announced during the first weekend.

The Public Prize
This prize rewards a photographer chosen by the vote of the general public. It consists of an exhibition for one month of the winning work on Photographie.com, the leading on-line photo magazine. This prize is awarded during the final weekend.

When?

The Rencontres take place in May each year, at the beginning of the summer festival season. The weather is usually ideal at this time to fully enjoy the pleasures of Montpellier. Open air exhibitions are often programmed in the public gardens and spaces.
Portfolio revues, debates, projections and numerous opening evenings contribute to a fruitful exchange between photographers and public.