Qatar Museums (QM) has announced an open call for Qatari photographers to apply to represent the country in the Qatar-India 2019 Year of Culture. 
To celebrate the cultural initiative, QM will be sending Qatari photographers on expedition to the Himalayan region of Ladakh, India, for up to two weeks each to create an inspiring portfolio that will help foster mutual understanding and cultural relations between the countries.
Each year, two photographers from Qatar have the opportunity to explore the partner country and be assigned to photograph particular themes. This year’s focus will be on landscape, astro, and portrait photography. 
After the exchange programme, two photography exhibitions will be held in both Qatar and the partner country to showcase the results of the exchange.
A final selection of photographs will be exhibited in forthcoming exhibitions held by QM, locally and internationally.
“Photography has always had the incredible power of touching the hearts of people of all nationalities, languages, and ages. The Years of Culture photography initiative is a tool that connects people from different cultures to make contact and build intimate and unique friendships,” said QM’s Years of Culture head Aisha al-Attiya in a press statement.
“We are proud of the huge success this initiative has achieved so far and we look forward to discover India through the eyes of skilled Qatari photographers.” 
Applications are open to Qatari citizens 18 years of age and older who should be available to travel to India for up to two weeks before the end of the year. 
All applicants must make sure they are in good health, because of the Ladakh region’s high altitude (3,000-5,000m), applicants should not be under medical treatment, and have a health certificate from a physician.
All applications for the Year of Culture exchange initiative must be submitted before midnight on June 26 through the online application form that can be found here on the  Qatar Museum's website
More details about the application process can also be found on the QM website.
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