Banif and MCAST in photography project

As part of a two-way project between Banif Bank (Malta) plc and the MCAST Institute of Art and Design, first year students studying location photography as part of their Higher National Diploma in Photography were commissioned by the Bank to present a set of digital photos for each location that the Bank is present in. 

Banif has been collaborating with MCAST on what are called ‘live-cases’ – modules that give students the opportunity to work with ‘clients’ on projects that are simulations of real work situations – with a real brief outlining requirements, specifications, brand guidelines and so on. The work produced becomes the property of the Bank, for use in the organisation’s publications.

The project aims to bridge the gap between education and industry, while helping students with opportunities for exposure.

A cohort of eight students, under the guidance of their tutor Joe Attard, undertook their fieldwork in Attard, Naxxar, San Gwann, St Julian’s, Siggiewi, Rabat, St Paul’s Bay, Fgura and Qormi. As for shooting in Gozo, the students took the opportunity to do group field work.

In this assignment, students were requested to consider a variety of subjects including nature, people, village activity, urban structures and landmarks, in an attempt to capture the spirit of the locality. The students researched the locations assigned to them. They also went out at different times of the day, to experiment with natural light.

“It is vital that our students are given opportunities to test their skills and platforms to expose their work to an audience,” said Joe Attard, Photography Lecturer at MCAST Institute of Art and Design.

“These live-cases give them a chance to produce work that has to follow a client brief while taking into consideration the company’s exigencies. The exercise is a taster of what they will experience in the future.”

“We are very pleased with the good quality works we have in hand,” said Charles Mizzi, Head of Marketing and Communication at Banif.  “We will be using the photos to produce some of the Bank’s artworks and publications, whilst giving the students due credit and exposure. Our collaboration with the Institute has grown into a very fruitful relationship that has at heart educational opportunities for students.”