A photographic Society

UN photogallery

Richard Maciver

“I really believe there are things nobody would see if I didn’t photograph them.”
(Diane Arbus : An Aperture Monograph, 1972)

The rise in popularity of digital photography, the wide-ranging environments in which UN personnel find themselves and the unique perspective gained from this exposure, all suggest the presence of an untapped resource. If you have a spool in your camera, then a new initiative may kindle your interest. If so, you can help make it happen.

The idea to create a Photographic Society is gaining ground in Geneva. The underlying aim of the Society is to create an on-line photo gallery of the world, as seen by UN workers throughout the System. In addition to public collections, the gallery site also intends to host personal albums and to encourage contributions with themed competitions. The result would provide the public with an insight into the work of the UN, as well as provide a royalty-free resource for System publishing needs. Other applications for photographic content, such as exhibitions, are also envisaged.

Now, however, the emphasis is on starting the Society, identifying its Geneva-based membership and presenting its Constitution for official ratification. Executive Committee members and key partners who may help further this venture are now sought. Initial tasks of the Society’s panel will involve the definition of activities and identifying the sources of funds. Their on-going activities will address the need to manage Society initiatives and funds, as well as to collect, moderate and exhibit best works on-line. Contributions from existing photographic communities and enthusiasts within the System will be invited once the site is officially launched.

In parallel, this initiative reaches out to the open source community within the System. The chosen gallery application is an open source solution and, although configured and ready to launch, would only benefit from their involvement. It is hoped that both (photographic and open source) communities may help each other develop within the System, for the benefit of what needs to be seen.

If you are interested in being involved, either as an Executive Committee member, regular member, developer, trainer or contributor, then please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to welcoming you.