The eighth edition of the Noorderlicht Photofestival opened in the Der Aa-Kerk in Groningen, the Netherlands. The opening was performed by Jan Pronk, Dutch minister for Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment, with an introduction by Wicher Pattje, alderman for the municipality of Groningen.

- Main exhibition 'Sense of Space' with work by 34 photographers from The Netherlands, Germany, France, England, America, Russia and other countries

- An extensive ancillary exhibition program, with group exhibitions curated by Noorderlicht.

- Exhibitions in 34 galleries and museums

- Open podium for local and amateur photographers

- Several publications, including a catalogue for 'Sense of Space' and a cd-rom

More than 35 museums and galleries and thirty special locations are participating in the only annual international photographic event in The Netherlands. In addition to a large selection of top international photography in the city of Groningen, Noorderlicht 2001 also offers an extensive exhibition programme outside the city.

As a participant in the Saison Française de la Photographie, this year Noorderlicht devotes extra attention to modern French photography. The Saison, initiated by the French embassy in The Netherlands, in cooperation with the AFAA in Paris, is a cultural collaboration including various large Dutch photographic exhibitors, who will each be presenting French artists this autumn.

Noorderlicht 2001 is supported by: Ministerie van OCenW, Gemeente Groningen, Provincie Groningen, VSB Fonds, Stimuleringsfonds voor de Architectuur, Stichting Beringer Hazewinkel, Stichting HS Kammingafonds, Gemeente Leeuwarden, Provincie Friesland, Institut Français des Pays-Bas/AFAA, Kleurgamma, De Verbeelding, Jan Best Kunstenaarsbenodigdheden, Beikes Kunst & Lijsten, Art Revisited, Drukkerij Tienkamp & Verheij.

The first edition of the Noorderlicht Photofestival took place in 1990. Since 2000 the event has been organised annually, alternating between Groningen and Friesland. In addition to the festival, Noorderlicht organises photographic exhibitions in its own gallery, stages lectures, discussions and workshops, and in cooperation with other parties initiates photo projects varying from books to exhibitions and commissions. In addition to contributions from the Provinces of Groningen and Friesland, and the cities of Groningen and Leeuwarden, beginning this year Noorderlicht will be receiving scheduled support from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, as part of the Cultural Plan 2001-2004. Further information about the history and many activities of Noorderlicht can be found at the other sections of this site.