Foundation for the Exhibition of Photography

Foundation for the Exhibition of Photography. It is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to creating and touring major photographic exhibitions for international audiences. Co-founded in 2003 by curator William A. Ewing, former director of the Maison Européenne de la Photographie Jean-Luc Monterosso, and curator Sam Stourdzé, it operates with hubs in Lausanne and Minneapolis. The organization collaborates with prestigious museums worldwide to present expansive shows that explore photography's history, cultural impact, and artistic innovation.

History

The organization was established to address a gap in the international circulation of high-caliber photographic exhibitions. Its founding directors brought together expertise from major institutions like the International Center of Photography and the Rencontres d'Arles photography festival. Early projects were developed in partnership with entities such as the Bibliothèque nationale de France and the George Eastman Museum, establishing a model of scholarly collaboration. Over time, it has grown into a key producer for venues including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Jeu de Paume, and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Mission and activities

Its core mission is to advance the public understanding of photography through meticulously researched and accessible exhibitions. Primary activities include curating original shows, securing partnerships with hosting institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum and the National Gallery of Art, and managing complex international logistics. The organization often works with living photographers such as William Klein and estates of figures like Robert Frank to develop comprehensive presentations. It also engages in public programming, including lectures and symposia, often in conjunction with exhibitions at venues like the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.

Notable exhibitions

The organization has produced a significant roster of widely toured exhibitions. *"The Art of the American Snapshot, 1888-1978"*, drawn from the collection of the National Gallery of Art, examined vernacular photography. *"Edward Steichen: In High Fashion, 1923-1937"* focused on the iconic photographer's work for Condé Nast publications. Major retrospectives have included *"Catherine Opie: American Photographer"* and *"An-My Lê: On Contested Terrain"*. The exhibition *"The Radical Eye: Modernist Photography from the Sir Elton John Collection"* showcased masterworks from the Tate Modern and toured globally.

Publications

A key component of its projects is the production of substantial scholarly catalogues, often published in multiple languages with partners like Yale University Press and Thames & Hudson. These volumes, such as the one accompanying *"The Photographer's Eye: Photography from the Museum of Modern Art, New York"*, serve as definitive references. Other notable publications include the catalogue for *"The Memory of Time: Contemporary Photographs at the National Gallery of Art"* and the book for the touring exhibition *"The Great War: A Photographic Narrative"*.

Governance and funding

The organization is governed by an international board of directors and is led by Executive Director Todd Brandow. It operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in the United States and receives funding through a mix of exhibition fees, grants from cultural foundations, and corporate sponsorships from entities like Bank of America. Major support has also come from philanthropic organizations such as the Henry Luce Foundation and government arts councils including the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia.

Category:Photography organizations Category:Non-profit organizations based in Switzerland Category:Arts foundations