Telling stories

The RPS's IPE 166th edition is an accessible and diverse celebration of contemporary photography from around the world. David Clark talks to Curator and Exhibitions Manager Billy-Jay Stoneman

- David Clark

The Royal Photographic Society's International Photography Exhibition, first held in 1854, is the longest-running photographic exhibition in the world. It's now in its 166th edition (having missed out a few years along the way) and remains a wide-ranging and diverse celebration of contemporary photography in all its forms.

This year's exhibition, on display for the first time at the prestigious Saatchi Gallery in London, will show 113 prints by 51 photographers from 24 countries. The images have been painstakingly selected from work submitted by over 4,000 participants worldwide.

'The IPE is always really popular as it includes such a wide selection of images,' explains the RPS's curator and exhibitions manager, Billy-Jay Stoneman. 'The themes of the show change every year and reflect what people are talking about - not just in the art world, but the world in general. This year, we're really excited to have such an amazing venue in central London to showcase the exhibition.'

Submissions and selection process

One of the distinctive features of the IPE is its inclusivity. It is open to everyone, whether professional or amateur, working in every genre. Everyone can enter one single image for free, and those who want to can enter additional paid-for-entry images. There are discounts for students and groups who might not be able to afford entry otherwise.