Fotofest

MISSION STATEMENT FotoFest's mission is to bring together a global vision of art and cross-cultural exchange with a commitment to social issues, community involvement, and the enrichment of cultural resources. ABOUT US FotoFest is a Houston-based contemporary arts organization co-founded by photojournalists Frederick Baldwin and Wendy Watriss. FotoFest is dedicated to advancing photography and visual culture through the presentation of exhibitions, public programs, and publications. The examination of social, cultural, and political histories and contemporary life through the lens of photography and related media is central to FotoFest’s mission. In addition to the organization’s year-round programming, FotoFest organizes a city-wide biennial project in the form of large-scale central exhibitions, curated lectures, performances, a symposium, and film programs. The organization also hosts several professional development programs, including annually held Meeting Place Portfolio Reviews, which host hundreds of artists and professionals working in the field of art and photography. Through its Literacy Through Photography program, FotoFest organizes K–12 classroom-based learning projects designed to encourage creativity and strengthen student writing, comprehension, and expression, reaching thousands of students. A platform for art and ideas since 1983, FotoFest is committed to promoting lasting international dialogue, cultural exchange, scholarship, and community enrichment by working with artists, audiences, academics, curators and influential figures in art, culture, and society.