May 12, 2008 | Wenchuan Earthquake Image Action: 13 Teams in the Disaster Zone, Fundraising Exhibitions in Bangkok, and an Immersive Exhibition in Chengdu

On May 12, 2008, at 2:28 p.m., the Wenchuan earthquake struck Sichuan. The record states that the association organized thirteen photography teams immediately and sent them into the disaster area. In parallel, it coordinated at once with provincial foreign affairs departments and photography organizations in Thailand. Six days later, two fundraising exhibitions featuring documentary work on the disaster were held in Bangkok.

On June 6, an immersive disaster exhibition—described as China’s first of its kind—opened at the Wuhou Shrine Museum in Chengdu under the title “We Are United—A Documentary Photography Exhibition of the 5·12 Sichuan Earthquake.” With coordination from public security authorities, physical items were brought back from the scene so the exhibition could function as a true immersive display. The association appointed Vice Chairman Cao Tie and Ding Hao (Vice Chairman of the CPL Chengdu Photographers Association) to lead the exhibition work.

Later, among 554 social organizations recognized by the Sichuan Provincial Department of Civil Affairs as “Advanced Social Organizations in Earthquake Relief,” the association was noted as the only photography organization to receive this honor.

On June 20, a commendation meeting for contributors to the exhibition was held in Chengdu. Ten institutions—including the People’s Government of Kuitun City (Xinjiang), “Photography & Video” magazine, “Kanzhongguo” website, the Chengdu Federation of Literary and Art Circles, the Wuhou Shrine Museum, and the Propaganda Department of the Chongzhou Municipal Party Committee—along with individuals from Thailand and multiple Chinese cities, and a total of 140 photographers, were awarded “Brave Photographer” medals.