Overseas Service Photography Project Launches Nov. 11

The project, “Serving Abroad…Through Their Eyes” will choose from approximately 1,000 images that depict six specific categories: daily life, friendship, places, faces, loss or triumph.  Selected images will be used in a special exhibition planned for display at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Pentagon and other prominent venues, stateside and overseas.  Submissions will be accepted beginning Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2011, through Presidents Day, Feb 20, 2012.

“It is simply phenomenal, and absolutely fitting that photos by America’s bravest during tough duty abroad get this sort of national recognition.  I can’t wait to see them and take part in the new conversations and relationships this is sure to inspire,” said Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta.

“America’s Foreign Service officers and military personnel represent our country all over the world and often in the most difficult of circumstances. This photography exhibition provides a unique view of their work to resolve conflicts and forge new partnerships and advance America’s interests and values.  So I am delighted the office of ART in Embassies is honoring the service of these brave men and women,” said Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

New York Times photographer Joao Silva has volunteered to convene the photo jury, which will work with a panel of noted Americans to review the photographs and announce the selections on Armed Forces Day in May of 2012.   The ten ‘Best in Show” photographers will be invited to Washington, where they will be honored and participate in the exhibition’s November 2012 -VIP opening celebration.

The selection panel includes former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Retired Air Force Gen. Richard Myers, Retired Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace, Retired Navy Adm. Mike Mullen and Retired Gen. Colin Powell.

Renowned video artist, Lincoln Schatz will create a video-audio montage of the images as a signature creation for ART in Embassies (AIE) 50^th anniversary celebration with the exhibition additionally available via DoD, DoS and AIE websites – and social media.

Rules, entry form and submission guidelines may be found at http://www.ourmilitary.mil/their-eyes/serving-abroad-through-their-eyes.  The Defense Media Activity will provide technical services to receive submissions and assist in screening for any operational security or privacy concerns.  To help ensure suitability, entrants should consult with their public affairs officer before photographic submission is made.

This unique DoD and DoS collaboration is in conjunction with the office of ART in Embassies, which is celebrating 50 years of international cultural exchange.  The ART in Embassies program is one of the premier public-private partnership arts organizations and plays a vital role in our nation’s public diplomacy with a presence in some 200 venues within 180 countries.  The ART in Embassies program was originally established by the Museum of Modern Art in 1953 and formalized by the Kennedy administration in 1962.

For more information – Serving Abroad … Through Their Eyes