VALUES
In accordance with our formal charitable mission and purpose we aim to provide opportunities, educational activities, exhibitions, events and publications for the people of Northern Ireland, visitors to Northern Ireland and international audiences regardless of race, gender, disability, age, religion, belief or sexual orientation. We aim to advance education, promote photography, visual arts and encourage high standards.
Our core values are:
Artistic excellence
Collaboration
Community engagement and learning
Creative expression
Entrepreneurship
Environmental sustainability
Excellent governance / management
Inclusiveness
Serendipity
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Belfast Photo Festival operates an Equal Opportunities Policy, actively monitoring and evolving the diversity and intersectionality of our staff, leadership and board. We are committed to moving to beyond best practice around issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, feminist and anti-colonial approaches to our operations, conduct and photography in general.
ACCESSIBILITY
As part of our long-term approach to reach those with disabilities across Northern Ireland, our ‘Open Spaces’ approach prioritises a modern reinvention of the traditional gallery that improves the quality of our existing projects and services to better meet our audiences’ needs.
Implementing a trialled, tested and proven approach that removes barriers to access, we have diversified from ‘white-cube’ spaces to highly accessible outdoor locations and innovative presentation methods. We have already included parks, and open spaces in residential, rural and city areas.
ENVIRONMENT
As a major public event in Belfast we are proud to be shifting beyond operational policies towards external leadership; becoming both exemplary and collaborative to peers. Aspiring to stimulate debate and positive change across with our audiences through future commissions, curation themes and discussion. We will work in partnership with our venues, festival peers, experts and staff to reach these goals.
We are an active member of Belfast’s new environmental group for the arts, Belfast City Council’s Green Arts Forum and Arts and Business NI Blueprint. The Belfast Photo Festival recognises that the Northern Ireland Climate Change Act of 2022 is so very significant. Changing the law is only the start as we implement the changes the Act demands and our planet needs. Our new and freshly drafted Environmental Policy is the first stage of our pivot towards full environmental responsibility.