"Spaces for Dissent" - Shahidul Alam's opening provocation for the Atelier Valletta

23 March 19 - Valletta, Malta

Shahidul Alam, reclaimed Bangladesh photographer and initiator of the first photography festival, Chobi Mela, in Asia, challenged the minds of festival managers and guests with his opening provocation to mark the start of the 15th Atelier for Young Festival Managers running from 23-29 March 2019 in Valletta. Alam openly shared his story, experience, and ongoing pursuit for social justice through media, education and culture, even in most harsh contexts, demonstrating the power of arts, community involvement and festivals as platforms for social change, resistance and possible ‘Spaces of Dissent’.