Last year it was announced that the curtain fell for Foton. The oldest cultural association at the UT has been struggling with declining membership numbers in the last ten years. The corona crisis dealt the death blow. On paper, Foton is still registered with the Chamber of Commerce, but the Student Union recognition vanished last year.
Relaunch Committee
A shame, thought bachelor's student of industrial design engineering Matthias Heindl and PhD student Esther van de Logt, about the disappearance of Foton. And that is why they are trying to breathe new life into the association. 'I couldn't take it seeing the association I liked so much disappear,' says Van de Logt.
Because Van de Logt and Heindl already had the necessary board and committee experience, they decided to set up a relaunch committee. This should ensure that Foton is recognized as a Student Union again. 'We have submitted a budget and policy plan. In addition, we need at least twenty members,' says Van de Logt.
Own darkroom
There are already 23 interested people, say the initiators. That should be enough, but the relaunch committee is in a vicious circle, says Heindl. 'What appeals to many people is that we have access to a darkroom for analogue photo editing. That space is downstairs in the Vrijhof, but we are only allowed to use it when we are an officially recognized association.'
And it is precisely such a darkroom that arouses a lot of interest, as Heindl and Van de Logt know. 'That attracts many of those who are interested, working with analogue photography. Especially since the emergence of digital photography, this is such a facility with which we can distinguish ourselves as an association', says Heindl. 'There is something magical about a darkroom like that,' adds Van de Logt. 'What exactly is happening is a mystery to many people. You go into a black box and come out with developed photos.'
Development opportunities
Until Foton has the green light, the association will focus on monthly activities for interested members, such as drinks and workshops. 'That's the tricky part, to entertain members when we can't yet offer the full package,' says Van de Logt. 'In any case, I think a lesson from the past is that we have to show ourselves more. As a photographer, you are always used to working in the background. So we can attract more attention, for example by offering a basic photography course, or workshops in collaboration with Vrijhof Cultuur, for example.'
Because according to Heindl and Van de Logt, Foton offers numerous development opportunities for students. 'It's a place where you can learn to make the switch from a holiday snapshot to consciously thinking about how you photograph and what choices you make in terms of composition and lighting,' says Van de Logt. 'I really like portrait photography myself, especially because of the effect a beautiful photo can have on people. That can give such a boost to someone's self-confidence.' Heindl loves capturing certain moments. 'I hope to photograph my fourth Batavierenrace this Spring. The fact that people can see themselves later in such a setting, then you immortalize them in a certain way. At Foton, it is great that everyone has their own specialization. That way you can learn a lot from each other.'
When the reboot is final? They hope as soon as possible. 'But if we can present ourselves during the upcoming Kick-In, that would be fantastic.'
