Soul of Kolkata photo contest and exhibition presented by ITC Sonar in association with Streets of Kolkata succinctly captured moments which celebrate Kolkata in its most ardent and resplendent glory. The contest called for entries across various categories. 13 winning entries are selected and 13 more special mentions would be exhibited at the WelcomArt Gallery. This is in keeping with ITC Hotels’ initiative of Responsible Luxury and part of the Concierge services which celebrate the hidden treasures of its location.
Streets of Calcutta was born out of love a passion for the city of Kolkata. Founded in January 2015, the project has grown from a single individual to over 8,000+. Streets of Calcutta is a forum for like-minded photographers who love documenting Kolkata. Along with documenting Kolkata through the lenses, Streets of Calcutta has conducted numerous knowledge enhancing programs including, several Photo walks, Photography Review session (both online and offline), Street Photography Competitions and Workshops.
The Project has received an unprecedented support from the Photography community because the objective of the project is to help, learn and share Photography acumen. Several Corporate houses extended their support towards the Project. Streets of Calcutta has played an imperative role in setting up and assisting Photography clubs for many education institutes of repute.
To further enhance the experience Streets of Calcutta will be hosting it’s first Exhibition in the month of July at ITC Sonar, WelcomArt Gallery. The exhibits are sourced through an open competition “Soul of Kolkata”, in association with ITC Hotels. The competition received a record 4,608 entries in 7 days. Nikon India is the Imaging partner to the Exhibition. A Fundraiser for a small NGO working towards Education for the underprivileged is being planned.
The Exhibition will host 30 Print Photographs and a Digital Display showcasing 50+ Photographs. All Photographs will showcase an unique Kolkata, though its architecture, people, communities, cuisine, culture, festival, heritage, market, nature and greenery, raj, river, sports and traditional Kolkata.
One of the primary objective set out by team Streets of Calcutta was to have the entire exhibition executed without being funded by the Participants. There were no participation fees and neither any fees to be exhibited. This was to ensure a genuine work of art was not deprived due to financial burden on the participants. After the Exhibition the 30 framed photographs would be gifted to the Participants.