Four hundred and fifty photos offer a panorama of social, economic and environmental France, currently at the BNF. They are the result of the major public order for photojournalism launched by the Ministry of Culture and will travel across France to various festivals.
In 2021, the Ministry of Culture launched a major public order for photojournalism. With a budget of 5.46 million euros, this initiative made it possible to select 200 photographers via a call for projects. Each person received a grant of 22,000 euros and seven months of work on the subject of their choice. An exhibition entitled France under their eyes brings together 450 of their images at the Bibliothèque nationale de France. Or two to three photos per report.
From the textile sector to Breton sailors…
Among them, several photographers have decided to devote their research to work or to different sectors of the economy. In addition to the work of Sophie Loubaton, let us highlight the images of Olivia Gay and Valérie Couteron, dedicated to the professions of care and home help, those of Olivier Jobard and Lorraine Turci who are interested in Breton sailors, those of Samuel Bollendorff who looks at cross-border workers or those of Gilles Favier who explores what remains of the working world of Saint-Etienne. On the business side, Nathalie Bardou went to meet these bosses who are trying to retain their exiled employees threatened by an obligation to leave the territory, Raphaël Helle highlights textile companies which are relaunching made in France, Pierre Hybre is interested in “ Plastic Valley » around Oyonnax. As for Cyril Marcilhacy, he talks about the daily lives of employees of French start-ups.
So many names of authors to remember, since their exhibitions will now travel throughout France, being the subject of books or publications in the press. Around thirty events are scheduled for 2024. Many of them are also available online on the grand order website.
