Photography biennials, festivals and fairs are a wonderful way of encountering new and exciting work from the world's best image-makers. A hub of activity with workshops, talks and portfolio reviews often running alongside the main program, you're sure to enjoy a rich and varied experience. Below you'll find our pick of 15 great photography festivals coming up this summer and autumn to help you get inspired.
PHotoESPAÑA
June 5 to September 1
Work by Clare Strand, Berenice Abbott and Joel Meyerowitz will be shown alongside a full program of events, including workshops, seminars and portfolio reviews.
Madrid, Spain
phe.es
Festival La Gacilly Photo
June 1 to September 30
Started in 2004 by Jacques Rocher, the festival present thoughtful imagery provoking the public to think about the future of the planet.
La Gacilly, France
festivalphoto-lagacilly.com
Visa Pour l’Image
August 31 to September 15
A selection of the best stories from around the world showcased at Europe’s leading photojournalism festival.
Perpignan, France
visapourlimage.com
Les Rencontres d'Arles
July 1 to September 22, 2019
Visionary contemporary photography is on show at the most famous photography festival. Founded in 1979 by Lucien Clergue, Michel Tournier and Jean-Maurice Rouquette, Les Rencontres d’Arles celebrates its 50th edition.
Arles, France
rencontres-arles.com
Helsinki Photo Festival
July 5 to September 9 2019
An exciting range of the most experimental works created today from both Nordic and international photographers. Encourages the audience to meet and interact with the arts directly in public spaces.
Helsinki, Finland
helsinkiphotofestival.com
Cortona on the Move
July 11 to September 29
Curated by editor and artistic director Arianna Rinaldo, the works presented in this year’s festival reveal and interpret today’s relationship between humans and their surroundings.
Various locations, Cortona, Italy
cortonaonthemove.com
APhF: 19
June 6 to July 29
A selection of over 100 photographic projects from all over the world will be on show.
Athens, Greece
photofestival.gr
Belfast Photo Festival
June 6 to 30
With this year’s theme as sexuality and gender, particular highlights include Dazed and Confused – an exhibition exploring the role of fashion and photography in shaping gender identities and The Honeymoon Suite, Juno Calypso’s evocative series full of self portraits.
Belfast, Ireland
belfastphotofestival.com
Copenhagen Photo Festival
June 6 to June 16
More than 55 exhibitions are taking place throughout the city and are categorised by three main themes: Framing Identity, Framing Society and Framing Vision.
Copenhagen, Denmark
copenhagenphotofestival.com
PhotoIreland Festival
To July 31
The festival’s 10th anniversary. Alongside the range of exhibitions – including Fix an exploration of work created by five different Irish photographic artists – don’t miss the comprehensive book and magazine fair.
Dublin, Ireland
2019.photoireland.org
Verzasca Foto Festival
September 5 to 8
An exciting range of open-air exhibitions, photo nights, portfolio reviews and workshops. Check the website in June for more details.
Sonogno, Switzerland
verzascafoto.com
GetxoPhoto
4 to 29 September
Curated by photo editor and artistic director Monica Allende, the theme for this year’s festival is ‘post homo sapiens: programming the future.’ Works will address the challenges faced by individuals in the digital age.
Getxo, Spain
getxophoto.com
PHOTOFAIRS | Shanghai
20 to 22 September
The sixth edition of the leading photography in Asia. Includes a range of exhibits, from classic masterpieces to the latest innovations within the photographic medium.
Shanghai Exhibition Center, Shanghai
photofairs.org
LagosPhoto
October 25 to November 13
An in-depth insight into contemporary photography being created in Africa. Works in this year’s festival are themed around Passports.
Nigeria, Africa
lagosphotofestival.com
2019 Venice Biennale
To 24 November
Prestigious international art fair featuring multiple galleries and artists, including more than 150 artists from 37 countries
Venice, Italy
labiennale.org
