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The Photomonth in Krakow has established itself as one of Europe's leading photography festivals, since beginning life in 2002. Featuring over a hundred artists from all around Europe and beyond, the Photo Month hosts nearly fifty displays each year along with a healthy smattering of workshops, seminars, lectures and moving picture shows.
For the last couple of years Photomonth has taken place during the month of May, turning the city of Krakow into one big exhibition space. The festival utilizes dozens of venues across the city, and apart from the draw of cutting edge photography, quite often the venues themselves are worthy of interest. Many of the displays are in exhibition spaces of bars or cafes which are normally hidden from the public eye, whilst some are in more extraordinary locations still, such as the 2006 and 2007 opening days at the deserted Okocim brewery on ulica Lubicz.
With each exhibition boasting its own launch party, usually attended by the photographer in question, photo enthusiasts (many of whom prove to be budding shutterbugs themselves) race around the city to catch the festival in full flow... Either that or they're in it for the free wine, but let's not be cynical!
Whether you're a photo fanatic or simply a wino, the Photomonth generates a lot of excitement in the city each Spring and has already proved itself to be an invaluable addition to Krakow's annual festivals. Long may it continue! 
Krakow Month of Photography 2008
6th May until 31st May
The 2008 edition promises to be another cracker. The chosen theme for the main section is "Youth." However, as usual there's parallel festival - "OFF" - with a much broader spectrum of subjects. After Hungary and Germany taking centre stage in previous years, Poland herself will come under the spotlight with a special focus on the contemporary Polish scene. Be sure to check the official website of Photomonth for a full programme
Meanwhile for a Krak addict's account of Krakow Photomonth 2007, click here. | | | |