What we do
PHOTO International Festival of Photography
Taking place every two years in Melbourne/Naarm and cities across regional Victoria, PHOTO International Festival of Photography is produced by PHOTO Australia in collaboration with cultural, education, industry and government partners. The Festival harnesses the strength of the photography sector in Victoria, across Australia and overseas to collectively curate and deliver a program of international significance, connecting important local and international practices, and creating a global meeting point of people, art and ideas.
Responding to a central theme, the Festival features a trail of free outdoor displays commissioned by PHOTO Australia and gallery exhibitions curated by museums and galleries that celebrate the richness and diversity of human experience through photography. The Festival structure allows our cultural partners to collectively curate an expansive, interconnected artistic program for audiences to explore.
Alongside premiering new work by emerging and established Australian artists and photographers, the Festival has developed a reputation for exclusive presentations by revered international artists such as Cindy Sherman, Nan Goldin, Malick Sidibé and Ryan McGinley, and for hosting the first Australian exhibitions by the likes of Paul Mpagi Sepuya, Carmen Winant, Mohamed Bourouissa, and Vasantha Yogananthan.
The events program offers further engagement, diving deeper into the ideas and research behind the artistic program through headline events, artist talks, exhibition tours, film screenings, workshops and more. Presenting ideas critical to contemporary photographic discourse, the Festival invites the public to engage with and think about photography and visual culture in new and inspiring ways.
To date, PHOTO 2021, PHOTO 2022 and PHOTO 2024 have featured over 400 artists and have been experienced by over 500,000 people.
Artist Development
Commissions
PHOTO Australia has built a strong reputation for investing in and developing the careers of contemporary artists and photographers by supporting them to create inspiring and risk-taking new works that inspire fresh perspectives and engage with diverse communities.
PHOTO Australia is committed to pushing the boundaries of contemporary practice through the commissioning of new work that premieres at the Festival. Over 40 Australian artists have been commissioned to date, including Hoda Afshar, Patrick Pound, Jemima Wyman, Lilah Benetti and Angela Tiatia.
New Photographers
New Photographers is PHOTO Australia’s program to support emerging talent, providing mentoring, professional development, networking, and presentation opportunities.
PHOTO Editions
PHOTO Editions is a collaboration between PHOTO Australia and Perimeter Editions to publish photobooks by Australian artists, with a focus on supporting artists to create their first books. PHOTO Editions has published books by Atong Atem, Honey Long & Prue Stent, and Emma Phillips.
Sector Development
Ideas Summit
A one-day global talks program featuring inspiring photographers, artists and curators from around the world.
Photobook Weekend
PHOTO Australia extends its commitment to publishing as an important practice within photography with our biennial Photobook Weekend, presented at PHOTO International Festival of Photography. Our Photobook Weekend has established itself as Australia’s leading photobook fair with an expansive program of events, exhibitions and awards.
Australian and New Zealand Photobook Awards
PHOTO Australia co-presents the Australian and New Zealand Photobook Awards, celebrating excellence and raising the profile of publishing in the region.
International
International Programs
Strategic partnerships with international festivals, museums and galleries provide presentation opportunities for Australian artists overseas. To date these have included partnerships with The Photographers’ Gallery and Victoria & Albert Museum in London, Hong Kong International Photo Festival, and CONTACT Photo Festival in Toronto.
International Curators Programs
PHOTO Australia’s International Curators Program brings thought leaders from around the world to connect with Australian artists, photographers and institutions. Taking place during PHOTO International Festival of Photography, the International Curators Program is an opportunity to create meaningful engagement to help grow artist practices overseas.
Consulting
PHOTO Australia works with local councils, arts organisations and corporations to deliver public art solutions. Services include curation and infrastructure hire. Clients to date include Wurundjeri Council, Bayside City Council and Metro Tunnel Creative Program. Revenue from consultancy supports our cultural programs.