Naples, MANN launches contest to get photos for its campaigns: controversy ensues

There is controversy over a public notice by the National Archaeological Museum of Naples seeking young photographers... for free! The museum published a notice yesterday announcing its intention to put in place initiatives to involve the public in its communication campaigns. And it intends to do so, through this notice, by selecting photographs that “reproduce some of the works exhibited in its collections,” the text reads, after which “the images deemed best, with indications of the names and their authors,” will not only “be disseminated on MANN’s social channels,” but may also “be used for the creation of popular material related to the initiative.” In particular, the images, the notice also states, can “be used in the graphic design of the banners that will be installed at the windows on the main facade of the building, an important communicative diaphragm between the Museum and the city; in the layout of the banners the names of the authors of the images will be indicated.”

The competition is open to young photographers, amateur or professional, aged between 18 and 30 years: each must submit from one to three images on works housed in the various sections of the museum indicated in the notice, which must be provided in high quality (resolution not less than 600 dpi, jpg, tif or similar format), and in adaptable formats (basic height ratio 1:2), each with a brief introductory text. The evaluation of the photographs will be carried out by a committee that will assign scores according to technical quality, originality of composition, communicative effectiveness, relevance, originality and effectiveness of the presentation text, and as well as enjoyment garnered by the image on the museum’s Instagram page, to be measured by likes. No remuneration is foreseen for the winners, who undertake to hold MANN harmless from any claims, to assume responsibility for disputes related to the image rights of the photographs (MANN should therefore be relieved of any responsibility), and to authorize MANN to use the photos sent for institutional purposes, popular, promotional or scientific purposes.

The Mi Riconosci association has stigmatized MANN’s notice, considered by the association to be a sort of ploy to obtain quality photographic images without remunerating the photographers. “The National Archaeological Museum of Naples,” thunders the association, “has published a public notice entitled ’New Shots for MANN’ aimed at young photographers, amateurs or professionals, aged between 18 and 30. The initiative is aimed at selecting new photographic shots reproducing some of the works exhibited in its collections, which will be used by the museum for institutional, popular, promotional and/or scientific purposes. The selected images, moreover, may also be used in the graphic design of banners to be installed at the windows on the main facade of the building, defined in the announcement as ’an important communicative diaphragm between the Museum and the city.’ All this, of course, free of charge. For the glory.”

“Yes, you got it right,” the association continues. “MANN does not envisage any remuneration, although this initiative would allow it to receive and have at its complete disposal a large number of quality photographs to be used for the most varied purposes and which will also involve an economic return. In short: a creative formula of seeking free work, which is passed off as an opportunity for young people since, the announcement states, ’in the layout of the banners the names of the authors of the images will be indicated.’ But how kind is this MANN that allows young people between 18 and 30, who are asked for professional content, to make themselves known (by whom, then?). Enough is enough, if they want money they can ask mom and dad. The announcement also states that this initiative aims to ’actively involve the public in the communication campaigns of their image and activities’ and to ’support and give visibility to the works of young artists and creatives.’ It seems to us that here they just want to exploit the professionalism and creativity of lots and lots of young people who, regardless of their age, have the right to be paid for the work they do. We would like to point out to MANN, one of the most important museums in Italy, that you can also engage the public and the community in other ways, for example, by paying those who work for you properly.”

Image: MANN, Sundial Hall. Photo: Berthold Werner

Naples, MANN launches contest to get photos for its campaigns: controversy ensues

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