Wildlife Photographer of the Year launches two exhibitions in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan as its global WPY Academy programme continues

In Kazakhstan, the exhibition of selected works from the young, aspiring wildlife photographers will run from 5 – 29 September 2024 at the Main Botanical Garden, Almaty. In Uzbekistan, the exhibition will run from 7 – 28 September 2024 at the Tashkent House of Photography, Tashkent. Both exhibitions will also include a selection of work from the 59th edition of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year Academy is led by the Natural History Museum, London, in collaboration with the British Council. In Kazakhstan, the educational academy is also in collaboration with the public foundation Urban Forum Kazakhstan, and, in Uzbekistan, the programme is in collaboration with creative organisation MOC.

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year Academy encourages young people tell local stories and deepen their relationship with the environment through the creative medium of photography.

Empowering young creatives to confidently connect with nature and begin conversations on how the climate crisis is affecting their surroundings, the Academy teaches young, aspiring wildlife photographers an ethical approach to the discipline, alongside environmental conservation practices and the basics of photography. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year Academy was first organised in India in 2022 and will continue to tour to new locations annually, focusing on nationalities that have historically been underrepresented in the field.

Across five days in June 2024, teenagers in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and Tashkent, Uzbekistan, were taught the art of wildlife photography under the guidance of world-renowned nature photographer and WPY Alumni, Klaus Nigge. The two programmes included theoretical classes and three field trips, encouraging students to use their photographs to tell stories aimed at conserving their local vulnerable species and landscapes.

Gemma Ward, Manager of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Academy, says: “The programme primarily aims to connect young people with the natural world and inspire the next generation. Photography can be taught, but passion is harder to instill, and for that, there needs to be a real dedication. I’ve seen that passion in many students at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Academy in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.”

Galina Koretskaya, Head of Arts and Creative Economy at the British Council, Kazakhstan, says: “We at the British Council are thrilled to be part of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Academy project and team up with the Natural History Museum in London and local programme organisations in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. This project is important to us because it fosters creativity and builds confidence in young people to talk about crucial issues like ecology and climate change. We can’t wait to see the amazing relationships and inspiring results that will come out of this!”

Aigerim Alimkulova and Asel Yeszhanova, Curators of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Academy in Kazakhstan, say: “We’ll all miss those days in June when we were learning to photograph; we learned to really see the wild environment, to appreciate it, to photograph it, and thus to tell the people of Kazakhstan just how beautiful the nature on their doorstep really is. We really hope that after this programme, we’ll see new wildlife photographers emerging in Kazakhstan, and, in time, we’ll hear that they’ve gone onto achieve great things in the field, changing the way people in Kazakhstan view nature. That will be the biggest result and success of this programme.”

Aziza Pulatova, Local Programme Producer of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Academy in Uzbekistan, says: “I’ve seen how much teenagers in Uzbekistan need programmes like this. We’re truly grateful that they had this opportunity - not only to understand the vastness of the world through Klaus’s stories, but also to become more aware of the world around them. A crucial aspect of the programme was that, despite their initial shyness, the participants found like-minded friends. They’re also thrilled to have the chance to showcase their work in such a significant exhibition. This experience has shown us how many young people genuinely care about nature, and their participation has only strengthened their determination to continue growing in this direction.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

For access to high-resolution images of the programme or exhibition, or to arrange interviews, please contact Laura Gosney, Communications Manager, at the Natural History Museum Press Office: wildpress@nhm.ac.uk

About Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Now in its sixtieth 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 with nearly 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 centre 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.

About the British Council

The British Council supports peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories and are on the ground in more than 100 countries. Find out more about our work here.

About Urban Forum Kazakhstan

Urban Forum Kazakhstan is an independent organisation that aims to arrange and moderate ongoing dialogue among urban stakeholders. We believe that Urban Development is a collaboration of the city residents, government, and business structures. This is why we see our Mission in creating a common communication field for various groups which interact in the Urban Space. Please find more information here.

About MOC

MOC is an innovative cultural organisation based in Uzbekistan, Central Asia. It serves as a dynamic nexus for artists and creators, fostering a thriving ecosystem where creativity and cultural diversity can flourish. As a community-oriented entity, MOC operates at the intersection of traditional heritage and contemporary artistic expression, striving to empower and unify artists across various disciplines.

In addition to serving the local and regional community, MOC aspires to bring Central Asian creativity to the global stage, establishing international collaborations that enhance cultural exchange and visibility.

Through its diverse and inclusive programs, MOC aims to propel the region's creative industries to new heights, ensuring cultural vibrancy and economic viability for artists and cultural practitioners.

Driven by a mission to enrich lives through art, MOC is committed to nurturing a culturally rich and sustainable future for Central Asia, making it a significant cultural hub in the global community.

Galina Koretskaya, Head of Arts and Creative Economy at the British Council, Kazakhstan, says: “We at the British Council are thrilled to be part of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Academy project and team up with the Natural History Museum in London and local programme organisations in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. This project is important to us because it fosters creativity and builds confidence in young people to talk about crucial issues like ecology and climate change. We can’t wait to see the amazing relationships and inspiring results that will come out of this!”

Aigerim Alimkulova and Asel Yeszhanova, Curators of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Academy in Kazakhstan, say: “We’ll all miss those days in June when we were learning to photograph; we learned to really see the wild environment, to appreciate it, to photograph it, and thus to tell the people of Kazakhstan just how beautiful the nature on their doorstep really is. We really hope that after this programme, we’ll see new wildlife photographers emerging in Kazakhstan, and, in time, we’ll hear that they’ve gone onto achieve great things in the field, changing the way people in Kazakhstan view nature. That will be the biggest result and success of this programme.”

Aziza Pulatova, Local Programme Producer of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Academy in Uzbekistan, says: “I’ve seen how much teenagers in Uzbekistan need programmes like this. We’re truly grateful that they had this opportunity - not only to understand the vastness of the world through Klaus’s stories, but also to become more aware of the world around them. A crucial aspect of the programme was that, despite their initial shyness, the participants found like-minded friends. They’re also thrilled to have the chance to showcase their work in such a significant exhibition. This experience has shown us how many young people genuinely care about nature, and their participation has only strengthened their determination to continue growing in this direction.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

For access to high-resolution images of the programme or exhibition, or to arrange interviews, please contact Laura Gosney, Communications Manager, at the Natural History Museum Press Office: wildpress@nhm.ac.uk

About Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Now in its sixtieth 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 with nearly 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 centre 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.

About the British Council

The British Council supports peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories and are on the ground in more than 100 countries. Find out more about our work here.

About Urban Forum Kazakhstan

Urban Forum Kazakhstan is an independent organisation that aims to arrange and moderate ongoing dialogue among urban stakeholders. We believe that Urban Development is a collaboration of the city residents, government, and business structures. This is why we see our Mission in creating a common communication field for various groups which interact in the Urban Space. Please find more information here.

About MOC

MOC is an innovative cultural organisation based in Uzbekistan, Central Asia. It serves as a dynamic nexus for artists and creators, fostering a thriving ecosystem where creativity and cultural diversity can flourish. As a community-oriented entity, MOC operates at the intersection of traditional heritage and contemporary artistic expression, striving to empower and unify artists across various disciplines.

In addition to serving the local and regional community, MOC aspires to bring Central Asian creativity to the global stage, establishing international collaborations that enhance cultural exchange and visibility.

Through its diverse and inclusive programs, MOC aims to propel the region's creative industries to new heights, ensuring cultural vibrancy and economic viability for artists and cultural practitioners.

Driven by a mission to enrich lives through art, MOC is committed to nurturing a culturally rich and sustainable future for Central Asia, making it a significant cultural hub in the global community.