Dix Mots Awards. . .

Yesterday, April 13th, CIAMO celebrated its photographers and slamers who won awards for their work in the "Dix Mots" contest during French language week. The awards were presented at the French Cultural Center in Cotonou. Three photographers won for their photographic representations of the words “Harmonieusement”, “Main”, and “Complice” while 2 high school slamers won for their texts and presentation of the 10 words together. Congratulations to the slamers, Theophane and Blanda and to the photographers, Camile, Cedric and Rock.

Photography Classes

Visual Arts Program Manager, Sarah Ellison with the class of local photographers

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A lot of activities are starting up at the center- so many that it’s hard to keep up with everything. This week we began weekly workshops with professional photographers from Ouidah on how to use digital cameras and how to take their photographs to a new level of artistry.

The first session happened Thursday afternoon and was attended by 16 local photographers who learned the basics of navigating a simple digital camera. For most of the photographers this is one of their first experiences with digital cameras. Throughout the week they’ll be checking out the cameras to practice using the different settings. This week their assignment is to “tell a story” with a picture and at the next session we’ll review their photos and look at other professional photographs that tell stories.

We're eagerly looking forward to what kind of photos they come up with for next week’s sessions!

Sarah demonstrates how to use the center's new digital cameras.