Dive Into Wonder: Seaworks Unveils Ocean Photographer of the Year Exhibition

Oceanographic and the Ocean Photographer of the Year (OPY) are excited to share that, following a successful exhibition at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney at the end of 2024, some of the globe’s finest ocean photography will be showcased at Seaworks in Williamstown, Melbourne from 29 January to 13 July.

The Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition, a partnership between Oceanographic Magazine and the Swiss luxury watchmaker Blancpain, will feature over 100 winning and finalist images from the 2024 OPY competition.

Glenn Jones, executive officer at Seaworks Foundation, remarked: “As a lively center for maritime heritage and the arts, Seaworks is pleased to present these remarkable creations from leading ocean photographers around the world. This is an opportunity to honor the magnificence of our oceans and inspire discussions about how everyone can contribute to their preservation for future generations.”

Seaworks, an operating maritime area, spans 2.74 hectares of valuable waterfront in Williamstown. Offering breathtaking views over Hobson’s Bay towards the city, Seaworks serves as a community resource that encompasses Victoria’s leading maritime museum and the Pirates Tavern, and hosts public and private events and festivals throughout the year, while also accommodating various creative arts and maritime businesses.

Will Harrison, director of Oceanographic Magazine and OPY, added: “We are delighted to partner with Seaworks to share the world’s most stunning and thought-provoking ocean photography with the people of Melbourne! The ocean is the lifeblood of our planet, and its narrative is one that affects us all, regardless of whether we live near the sea. Certainly, those in Melbourne are fortunate to have the coastline as their home, so I am confident OPY will resonate particularly strongly with them.”

The exhibition in Melbourne brings together several collaborators, including the Hobsons Bay City Council, the Geoffrey Evans Trust, and the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Alongside this year’s exhibition, Seaworks is in the process of establishing a permanent exhibition area within its maritime complex on the waterfront at Williamstown and will continue to host the annual Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition until 2029.

This follows the widely praised Steve McCurry ‘ICONS’ photography exhibition showcased at Seaworks earlier this year, which, according to the chairman of Seaworks Foundation, Warwick Norman, demonstrated the demand among Victorians for access to some of the world’s best photography.

“The Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition is of a similar quality but with a distinct ocean theme,” Captain Norman stated.

“It aligns with Seaworks’ vision of celebrating maritime culture. From turtles and whales to breathtaking underwater imagery, it will be an experience for the entire family to enjoy, particularly during the summer holidays. It will also captivate conservation enthusiasts, divers, surfers, and anyone who simply loves the water.”