Photography in Croatia: Young Photographer Exhibitions on Hvar

'Scenes from the Past' exhibition in Jelsa concludes as the International Heritage Photographic Experience opens in Hvar Town as part of its world tour.

While the tourist season in Croatia is now winding down, there are still many exhibitions to enjoy, with the island of Hvar hosting two excellent presentations. 'Scenes from the Past', a state-sponsored initiative encouraging young Croatian photographers, finished exhibiting in Jelsa on September 25 2011, with the 16th International Heritage Photography Experience continued its world tour in Hvar Town from September 23. It will exhibit for approximately two weeks.

Scenes from the Past

The 'Scenes from the Past' exhibition was a collection of photographs taken by primary and secondary schoolchildren from Jelsa on Hvar, as well as other young photographers from Sinj and Imotski on the mainland. Thirty-eight children took part, producing some high quality work.

The children were required to capture scenes which encapsulated the identity of the region, both in terms of natural and cultural heritage, to produce pictures with a unique and distinctive voice. The results on display in the grounds of the impressive Church of the Assumption in Jelsa were appreciated by the few tourists who visited the exhibition.

International Heritage Photographic Experience

Much better publicised in Hvar Town was the arrival of the 16th International Heritage Photographic Experience, which is currently housed in the Loggia, part of Hotel Palace on the main square. Started in 1992 by the autonomous Catalan government with the aim of bringing young people closer to their cultural heritage, so that they could learn to discover, value and appreciate it.

Andorra and Poland took part in 1996, and the international appeal of the event has continued to increase, and 42 countries are taking part in 2011, with entrants from as far afield as Azerbaijan, Qatar and Uruguay. The exhibition consists of 105 photographs mounted with dimensions of 40 x 50cm. The exhibition will continue to travel before culminating in the usual closing ceremony at the Palace of Culture in Strasbourg.

St. Stephen's Day Celebrations

The heritage exhibition coincides with a wider cultural offer from Hvar Town, which is hosting a week -long cultural festival to mark St. Stephen's Day, the patron saint of the town. Events include exhibitions, processions, concerts and sporting tournaments, with a full list of events available on the town's website.

The cultural programme is evidence of the depth of the diverse nature of the tourism offer on Hvar, which is better known for its beaches and nightlife, an image given a double boost this summer with the swimming pool antics of a British prince and the first public display of an American pop star's baby bump.