Photo by Zsuzsanna Ardó.

Note: Contest deadline has been extended to August 15, 2007.

The Open Society Institute and Open Society Archives announce an international photography contest entitled "Chachipe." Chachipe means "truth, reality, or right" in Romanes.

The Decade of Roma Inclusion began in 2005 with the participation of nine governments (Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, and Slovakia), the World Bank, and numerous nongovernmental organizations. Its aim is to fundamentally improve the socioeconomic status and social inclusion of Roma. In keeping with that broader goal, this contest aims to help combat visual stereotypes associated with Roma, and to present Roma people and culture sensitively and artistically.

The contest is open to all regardless of citizenship, residence or ethnic affiliation, but submissions by photographers of Roma origin are especially encouraged. The contest is open to professional and amateur photographers alike. After voting by an international jury of professionals and the public, prizes will be awarded in five categories.

The best of the submitted photos will be displayed in an exhibition at Galeria Centralis in Budapest in fall 2007, and a selection of photos will appear in a publication early next year.

More information on how to submit work is available on the photo contest website at http://photo.romadecade.org.

Deadline

August 15, 2007

Copies of the contest announcement are available below in Croatian, Czech, English, Hungarian, Montenegrin, Romani, Romanian, Serbian, and Slovakian.