At Arles photo is also available in the future

In 1969, Lucien Clergue was his town, Arles, the capital of the photo world by creating the international meetings of photography. Forty years later, the event which takes place every summer has become unavoidable, and in 1982 creation of the national school superior of photography (NPHS) is part of this movement. "The idea was to maintain a permanent of the photo in Arles beyond the summer event, and to recognize the importance more and more of the photo in the artistic field," says Patrick Talbot, who leads the school since 2003.

Responsible local of history

Under the tutelage of the Ministry of Culture, the NPHS is the only public institution of higher education specializing in photo in France, even if this material is listed in the curriculum of many other institutions. As well say that here, in these premises arlésiens loaded history, we want to train specialists with solid knowledge and significant experience in the fields artistic, technical, historical and theoretical. Recruitment is based on competition, the level bac 2 minimum or equivalent. Each year, 300 to 400 candidates try their luck, but only 25 will be admitted for training spread over three years. "The candidates are mostly from schools of academic art but also the world of philosophy, literature or even business schools." Some have very atypical profiles and have already worked. "The variety of experiences is very rewarding for the school," notes the Director. Internationalization through exchanges with other formations in Europe, but in the rest of the world also, all students to leave three months abroad in second year.

At the exit, very few actually become photographers. For its first issue in 2005, "Infra-thin", very aesthetic annual review of the school, wanted to demonstrate what had become of former students whose journeys are often unexpected but for which "the training has proved surprisingly useful."There are occupations as diverse as publishing, education, culture, restoration and conservation of photos, the direction of art gallery or the communication. Each year, the "Cahiers de NPHS" address a different theme with always the desire of more open to the outside, to the image of the exhibitions which are developed or of ongoing training implemented last year. On here also reflects on the meaning of the photo and a trade that the spread of digital and retouching software tremble on its bases.

Technological developments

The school is located in a mansion of the 18th century, in the heart of the old town, close to the arenas and the Roman Theatre. A building whose vocation has changed over time, the beautiful residence becoming Court, convent or even school until being purchased in 1978 by the city to be host international meetings of photography, which gave the place the ENSP in 1982. Since that time, places have to adapt to the significant technological developments of the photo, digital taking place more and more great the film and video, very quickly integrated into the program. It was not pushing the walls, the prowess to caser classrooms, technical spaces or even the exhibitions, which have found place in the chapel. A true maze who must now win new spaces in a nearby building.

But ultimately the l' ENSP NPHS hopes to settle in the heart of the city images that the Luma Foundation dream to install on site workshops former SNCF with a signed by Franck Gehry building. At Arles, photo is also available in the future.