University of Balamand

The teaching of photography has been an integral part of the Graphic Arts and Communication department since the first course given in 1979. Forty bachelors and 15 masters graduates with a major in Photography since 1999. Despite the discontinuation of the photo diploma at the Academy, the courses are always at the heart of the curriculum. At Alba we consider that photography is inseparable from the formation of the gaze: This means the use of photography as a constituent element of the act of creation to reflect on personal skills and open innovation. We strike the right balance between creative and technical skills, to cultivate a personal approach to photography, to think critically and formulate intellectual and aesthetic responses.

Photography is a central engine of communication which can be seen in the broad sense of networking efforts: close collaboration with foreign schools and institutions has enabled exchanges, teachers, professionals and students, as well as stays and workshops rich in experiences. Paris, Berlin, Bombay, Cairo, Djibouti, Athens, Aleppo, Ouagadougou…were places of exploration and sharing.

These workshops and trips have given rise to numerous exhibitions as well as numerous published works.