The World Photography Organisation (WPO), a London-based initiative that provides a global platform for professional, amateur, and student photography through its website and live events, has come to New York to engage the city's vibrant photography community with exhibitions, workshops, and talks led by world renowned practitioners in the field. WPO has partnered with the Chelsea Art Museum which will serve as the host venue for all activities through November 12, 2011.

The New York events kicked off with an opening night last Thursday, featuring the 2011 Sony World Photography Awards Winners' Exhibition curated by Elisabeth Biondi, former Visuals Editor of the New Yorker and a chair of the Honorary Judging committee of the 2011 awards. Elisabeth Biondi, Stephen Mayes and Gail Buckland, among others, were at the opening.

The centerpiece of the programming is the recently launched City Projects, a series of intense and challenging three-day workshops open to both serious amateurs and professional photographers. The City Projects global theme for 2011/2012 is "Portraits of a City," led by award-winning and established photographers Steve Pyke, Cheryl Dunn, Nick Turpin and Jez Coulson. These workshops will invite participants to capture the spirit of New York via the unique brief of each instructor. A mixed media presentation of selected work from the New York City Projects, will be showcased at the Chelsea Art Museum from October 26 through November 12, alongside a selection from the So Paulo and London City Projects.

"We are delighted to come to New York City which has been the favorite subject of countless photographers since the early days of the medium," said Astrid Merget, Creative Director of the World Photography Organisation. "It is our goal throughout these four weeks to harness the boundless energy of New York's rich photographic community to create an environment that engages both emerging and established talent."

Other programming includes:

City Projects, intense and challenging three-day workshops open to serious amateur and professional photographers. Tickets.

City Projects with Nick Turpin
October 21-23 (all day). Workshop Fee: $250
Theme: Portraits of New Yorkers inspired by the seminal work of August Sander.

City Projects with Jez Coulson
October 21-23 (all day). Workshop Fee: $220
Theme: A look at New York City's iconic diners from a reportage perspective.

City Projects with Steve Pyke
November 11-13 (all day). Workshop Fee: $300
Theme: A candid portrait of New York City from a single block or intersection.

City Projects with Cheryl Dunn
November 11-13 (all day). Workshop Fee: $250
Theme: The democracy of our common urban landscape.

October 26 through November 12: A mixed media presentation of selected work from the New York City Projects will be showcased at the Chelsea Art Museum alongside a selection from the So Paulo and London City Projects.

October 23, 10:30am -1:30pm: The Beginners Portrait Workshops led by British portrait photographer David Graham. Tickets. $85.

October 26, 11 am-12:30 pm: Introduction to Self-Publishing seminar hosted by Daniel Milnor of Blurb Books. Free Workshop / Must Reserve by emailing info@worldphoto.org.

October 26, 6-16- 7:30 pm: In the Photographer's Studio, featuring Elisabeth Biondi in conversation with Alejandro Chaskielberg, winner of the 2011 Sony World Photography Awards L'Iris d'Or. Free, arrive early, limited seating.

These New York Events follow World Photography Events and Festivals that took place in Shanghai, San Francisco, So Paulo and London over the past year. Next stops on the tour are Chicago in November 2011, So Paulo in January 2012 and London in April 2012.

All events take place at the Chelsea Art Museum, 555 West 22nd Street, NY, NY. For more information on the Sony World Photography Awards and World Photography New York Events, please visit: www.worldphoto.org/festivals-events.

10202011