British High Commission launches world-renowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition in Honiara
The British High Commission in Honiara in partnership with the National Art Gallery is launching a new exhibition in Honiara which will display some of the world’s finest nature photographs.
The world-renowned exhibition is on loan from the Natural History Museum in London and opens at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery this week.
On Wednesday, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and British High Commissioner, along with other diplomats, got a sneak preview of the exhibition which contains some of the most exceptional nature photographs taken today from across the globe. Local schools and youth groups will be visiting to view the exhibition in the coming days.
The exhibition shines a light on powerful and fascinating images that capture hidden animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Using photography’s unique power to engage and inspire audiences, the images share stories and species from around the world, encouraging a future advocacy for the planet.
At the pre-launch event on Wednesday, British High Commissioner, His Excellency Paul Turner underlined not only the prestigious nature of the exhibition but also how important it was in highlighting the environmental challenges we face today.
He said each photograph contained a story, showing the link between wildlife and habitat and man. Turner said that the exhibition conveyed a message of beauty but also fragility with a clear message about the need to safeguard our planet’s biodiversity.
Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Bunyan Sivoro, thanked the British High Commission for arranging the exhibition to come to Honiara. He said it was encouraging that so many local schools would be visiting the exhibition as this will engage young people in preserving their local environment.
The UK Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most famous photography event of its kind. Launched in 1965, the competition today receives entries from all over the world, highlighting its enduring appeal. Last year’s award-winning images have embarked on an international tour that allowed them to be seen by well over a million people. This year’s competition attracted over 60,000 entries last year from photographers of all ages. A selection is shown in the exhibition in Honiara.
Dr Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum in London said:
“We are thrilled to continue Wildlife Photographer of the Year as a powerful platform for visual storytelling, showing the diversity, beauty and complexity of the natural world and humanity’s relationship to it. This year’s exhibition will be our best combination of great artistry and groundbreaking science yet, helping visitors to become inspired to be advocates for our planet.”
The exhibition will be at the National Art Gallery through August.
About Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Now in its sixty-first year, Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the Natural History Museum, London’s global platform for the world’s best nature photography and wildlife photojournalism. Our annual competition, receiving over 60,000 entries, is open to photographers of all ages, nationalities and experience levels. With our touring exhibition and outreach activities engaging millions around the globe every year, we invite ever more people to celebrate and advocate for the natural world.
About the Natural History Museum, London
The Natural History Museum, London, is a world-leading science center and one of the most visited attractions in the UK. A global source of curiosity, inspiration and joy. Our vision is to build a future in which both people and the planet thrive. We aim to be a catalyst for change, engaging advocates for the planet in everything that we do. Our 350 scientists are finding solutions to the planetary emergency in all aspects of life. Visit, join and support the Natural History Museum today. Protecting the planet. It’s in our nature.
Source:// British High Commission Honiara Press Release
