Image: Visitors at Create a Portrait of Your Myanmar stories and photos exhibition at the Irrawaddy Literary Festival (1- 3 February 2013) in Yangon. Photo by Kyi Kyi Pyone © British Council
British Council’s role in the local visual arts scene has become more active after we re-established the relationship with the Myanmar Photographic Society (MPS) in the beginning of 2010.
MPS was first founded in the British Council in 1950 with photography enthusiasts. Nowadays, it is a vibrant society made up of around a thousand local photographers from all over the country, including international award winning professionals and artists from local film industry and the creative arts community.
The renewed relationship with the MPS enabled us to support its annual photography contests and exhibitions. In 2012, in collaboration with the MPS, we designed and delivered the Images of Myanmar Festivals photographic contest (July – October) and exhibition (November).
A total 154 photographers participated with more than 700 photos which portrayed traditions and customs of Myanmar through colourful cultural, religious and ethnic festivals. Canon sponsored 13 prizes, including top range cameras such as the EOS 60 D, EOS 550D and EOS 1100D for the top three winners.
Following its ground breaking success, we have organised annual photography contests and exhibitions in partnership with the Myanmar Photographic Society, supporting professional development of rapidly growing local photography community and providing them with networking opportunities with UK professionals.