From November 19 to 22, 2009, Paris Photo will present a panoramic overview of worldwide photographic expression, spanning the 19th century to the present day while also unveiling an emerging international scene. For its 13th edition, Paris Photo turns the spotlight on photographic work from the Arab countries and Iran in what is an unprecedented exploration of the practice in this part of the world. Curated by Catherine David who was responsible for Documenta X in Kassel in 1997 as well as numerous exhibitions and publications on Middle Eastern artistic expression, this year’s project will be based on three components. The Central Exhibition will unveil a selection of rare studio photographs from the archives of the Arab Image Foundation in Beirut; the Statement section will present a number of emerging talents from the region – from Tehran to Damascus, Beirut to Cairo, Tangiers to Dubai… The Project Room will offer a series of video works, testimony to the growing interest for the dynamics of this medium among the artists of the region. THE 6th BMW – PARIS PHOTO PRIZE Launched in support of contemporary photography, the BMW – Paris Photo Prize has become an important landmark in the world of international photography. Every year a panel of prestigious experts selects a prize winner among 20 short-listed artists represented by galleries participating in Paris Photo, on a theme inspired by the world of BMW. The short-listed works will be exhibited during Paris Photo, and the winner will be awarded the 12,000 euros prize. Details Dates: Thursday, 19 November – Sunday, 22 November, 2009 Opening by invitation only: Wednesday, 18 November, 7:00 pm -10:00 pm Venue: Carrousel du Louvre, 99 rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France Opening hours: 19 Nov. from 11:30 am to 8:00 pm, 20 Nov. from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm, 21 Nov. from 11:30 am to 8:00 pm, 16 Nov. from 11:30 am to 7:00 pm General admission Information: http://www.parisphoto.fr The Paris Photo selection committee: Guido Costa, Turin Howard Greenberg, New York Edwynn Houk, New York Tim Jefferies, Hamiltons, London Priska Pasquer, Cologne Françoise Paviot, Paris Timothy Persons, Taik Gallery, Helsinki Renos Xippas, Paris/ Athens The Paris Photo team: Jean-Daniel Compain, Reed Exhibitions Managing Director for the Culture, Sports and Leisure Division, and Paris Photo Fair Manager Fair Management Guillaume Piens, Deputy Fair Manager Véronique Prugnaud, Exhibitors Relations Manager Diane Amiel, Collectors and Institutions Manager Communications and partnerships Catherine Vauselle, Director of Communications and Partnerships Claire Poisson-Quinton, Communication and Media Coordinator Domitille Nau, Publishing Manager Reed Expositions France/ Paris Photo Tour Vista, 52-54, Quai de Dion-Bouton, CS 80001, 92806 Puteaux Cedex Tel: +33 (0) 1 47 56 64 74, E-mail: parisphoto@reedexpo.fr