182 nights of photographic projection connecting to Expo’s theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’

• Abdul Rahman bin Muhammad Al Owais: HIPA has been nurturing and fostering the culture of photography for a decade, not only supporting the visual art but the photography community as a whole, and is dedicated to inspiring dialogue between cultures and people through the visual arts. 

• Ali Khalifa bin Thalith: We are continuing to focus on the role photography plays in deepening its cultural impact through consolidated dialogues between communities, inspiring dynamic collaboration, conversations and experiences that connect minds and create a sustainable future.

• Grant Reid: We are delighted to be collaborating with HIPA in bringing the inspiring work of talented photographers from around the world onsite at Expo 2020 to tell powerful stories on large scale projections. 

20 September 2021 

The Secretary General of the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Expo 2020, where the Award will collaborate on Kaleidoscope, an extraordinary outdoor night-time light festival, throughout the six months of this major international event. Kaleidoscope will celebrate photography, light and visual arts over a span of 182 evenings. The festival will connect to Expo’s impactful initiatives and global entertainment, including international celebrations such as Diwali and Christmas, to tell powerful visual stories and engage visitors physically, intellectually and emotionally. 

The participation of the Award in this global event will see a selection of photographs from the HIPA archives, relating Expo’s sub-themes of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability bring the site to life.

His Excellency Abdul Rahman bin Muhammad Al Owais, Minister of Health and Community Protection and Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, in his capacity as Chairman of the HIPA’s Board of Trustees expressed: “Expo 2020 Dubai has been gaining a significant standing, garnering tremendous excitement around the world. Most countries view this year’s World Expo, as a ‘meeting for recovery’ as the dust from the pandemic settles. The minds of the world are set to connect in Dubai to discuss the socio-economic prospects and start creating a better future.

“The Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) has been nurturing and fostering the culture of photography for a decade, not only supporting the visual art but the photography community as a whole, and is dedicated to inspiring dialogue between cultures and people through the visual arts. 

“Our role will be essential at the international forum, as we inspire dialogue through the power of the visual arts; connecting minds, people and culture. Photography has the power to transcend boundaries and time, allowing us to reflect on the past and imagine the future. We look forward to evoking a sense of optimism and positivity for the future, through photography, at Expo 2020 Dubai.”

HIPA Secretary General, Ali bin Thalith said, “We, at the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award, are proud to collaborate with Expo 2020 Dubai on the Kaleidoscope project. A project that will harness the beauty of photography and visual arts and bring to life the Expo 2020 Dubai site through the use of colour and light projections. Kaleidoscope will bring people together to embrace joy and positivity at a time that our communities need it most.

“According to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council and Patron of HIPA, we are continuing to focus on the role photography plays in deepening its cultural impact through consolidated dialogues between communities, inspiring dynamic collaboration, conversations and experiences that connect minds and create a sustainable future.

“The art of photography has become one of the fastest growing arts in the world. With its unlimited interactions with various types of sciences and knowledge, it inspires creativity and innovation, and paves the way to advance humanity. The arts will be an amazing and integral part of the visitor’s experience at Expo 2020 Dubai being held here in the UAE.” 

Grant Reid, Vice President, Events and Entertainment, Expo 2020 Dubai said, 

“While the past 18 months have been unprecedently challenging, we believe that collaboration can inspire a better future – something we hope to highlight in our light show. A kaleidoscope is symbolic: once shaken, it shows something new but equally beautiful; and light has the power to conquer darkness.

“Through Kaleidoscope, our subthemes – Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability – will be vividly brought to life, reminding us of their relevance now more than ever before.”