Most discussions about the future of journalism give little explicit attention to the place and purpose of visuals, especially photojournalism. While it is commonplace to acknowledge the importance of...
Alessia Glaviano
Alessia Glaviano, Head of Global PhotoVogue and Director of the PhotoVogue Festival, is a prominent figure in international photographic criticism. In 2011, Glaviano launched PhotoVogue, an innovative platform where users can share their photographs under the curatorial supervision of professional photo editors. Now in its 12th year, with over 350,000 photographers ranging from amateurs to professionals worldwide, PhotoVogue relaunched in early 2022. This relaunch marked its global expansion and a shift to include media in all forms. The mission of PhotoVogue has consistently been to champion talent, both emerging and established, and to influence visual literacy, shaping a more just, ethical, and inclusive visual world. PhotoVogue’s open calls have been instrumental in launching the careers of notable photographers such as Nadine Ijewere, Luis Alberto Rodriguez, Kyle Weeks, Camila Falquez, Kennedi Carter, Scandebergs, and Mous Lamrabat, among others. Curating a diverse pool of incredible image-makers globally, PhotoVogue stands as an industry-leading platform, exemplifying diversity behind the camera and a multitude of perspectives. In an expanded role, Alessia Glaviano is steering PhotoVogue into its next phase while continuing to lead its creative direction.
Over her 20-plus years with Condé Nast, Glaviano has not only launched and overseen PhotoVogue but also driven select special events and curated exhibitions in prestigious museums and institutions with some of the most significant artists of our time. She developed Vogue Italia’s Instagram strategy, curated a series of Masters of Photography video interviews, and led the art direction of numerous digital branded-content projects, including the iconic Gucci beauty story featuring Ellie Goldstein. To create a physical and virtual space for bringing the community together and advancing discussions on creativity, diversity, and justice in image-making, Glaviano directed the first edition of the PhotoVogue Festival in Milan in 2016. This event, the first conscious fashion photography festival linked to an influential fashion publication, focused on the intersection between Ethics and Aesthetics. It engaged the entire city of Milan with talks, exhibitions, and photography-related initiatives. The festival's eight editions, from 2016 to 2023, have consistently been met with critical acclaim and public success.
In addition to her editorial work, Alessia regularly holds lectures and conferences. She has been invited as a guest lecturer at institutions such as the University of Brighton, Central Saint Martins, IED, Bocconi University, and the Milan Polytechnic. Glaviano has also served as a jury member in numerous internationally acclaimed photography contests, including the World Press Photo, the Festival International de Mode et de Photographie à Hyères, and the Leica Oskar Barnack Award. She has participated in several portfolio review sessions, including the New York Times Portfolio Reviews.
