2023 UK-China International Photography Winners Announced at Exhibition Launch and Awards Ceremony

A new photography exhibition has opened at the Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) promoting mutual understanding in UK-China relations through focusing on our common humanity.

The Manchester China Institute (MCI), in partnership with Creative Manchester, launched the exhibition on Wednesday 3 May in recognition of the entries from the 2023 UK-China International Photography Competition.

Displayed throughout the entrance at AMBS is a collection of the top 30 entries, accompanied by the bilingual short stories all focused on the theme of ‘family treasures.’

The competition welcomed several hundred smartphone entries from residents of both the UK and China. The finalists and winners were selected by a judging panel comprised of Prof Michael Wood (University of Manchester), Dr Zhang Hai (Yunnan University), Xiaowen Zhu (ESEA Director), and Dr Bingchun Meng (LSE).

The winning photos were unveiled at the launch event by Greater Manchester High Sheriff, Gerry Yeung, Manchester Museum Director, Esme Ward, Creative Manchester Director, John McAuliffe, and Head of Development and Alumni Relations at the University of Manchester, Kate Cambden.

The four main winners announced were:

UK Winner (£1000): Corina Andrisan with ‘Art is my Treasure’
China Winner (¥8,888): Zhou Zheng with ‘Kitchen Mother’
UK Runner-up (£300): Olivia Parsonage with ‘Maika’s Ba’s Hat’
China Runner-up (¥2,888): Kaz with ‘Hair Shave’

Amongst the special guests attending were broadcaster and author, Professor Michael Wood, returning as a judge for the 5th consecutive year, and Dr Zhang Hai, who joined this year’s judging panel for the first time. The two judges expertly read heartfelt bilingual letters sent by the UK and China winners, giving voice to their beautiful stories. Head of the School of Arts, Languages, and Cultures at the University of Manchester Thomas Schmidt, and MCI Director, Peter Gries also spoke at the ceremony, with Professor Peter Gries emphasising the heart of the contest:

“

I was thrilled by the quantity and quality of submissions this year. The “family treasures” theme clearly inspired many people. The submissions revealed what we treasure is not just inanimate objects like heirlooms but includes family members and activities. This year’s finalists and winners all used image and text to surmount cultural and political divides, celebrating our shared humanity – particularly important during a difficult year for UK-China relations.

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The exhibition is open to visitors at AMBS until May 31. It encourages people to vote for their favourite photo, either in-person or online. The photo receiving the highest number of votes will receive a £500 prize alongside the People’s Choice Award accolade. To view the photos and to vote online, visit the link here.