In this welcome and opening event, the coordinators of the meeting, Pablo Giori, Laura LIgari and Emiliano Covello, offers a visionary look at a bold new initiative aimed at transforming the global photography festival landscape. As photography festivals continue to flourish across continents, the International Photography Festivals Association (IPFA) emerges as a platform for connection, cooperation, and collective growth. This opening session introduces the IPFA’s mission to unite over 600 festivals worldwide, creating a space where directors, curators, producers, and artists can share knowledge, build networks, and shape best practices. Emphasizing inclusivity and horizontality, the association welcomes participation from both emerging and long-established festivals, fostering a global culture of mutual support and innovation in the photographic arts.
This conference, guides by Laura Ligari with guests festivals, delves into the evolving digital strategies shaping the future of photography festivals. Drawing on research conducted with 20 of the world’s most active photo festivals, this talk uncovers how social networks and web platforms have become essential tools for visibility, engagement, and growth. Through a blend of data insights and case studies, the session highlights effective strategies for building and sustaining vibrant online communities. From audience development to brand identity, this presentation offers festival organizers a practical guide to navigating the digital landscape—where connection, storytelling, and innovation converge.
This presentation, guided by Emily McSweeney, explores how Picter help photographers and festivals to produce and curate open calls and photo contests with and innovative digital tool, and a commitment to democratizing creative opportunities. Aligned with the mission of the International Photography Festivals Association (IPFA), this talk offers festival organizers and cultural producers a clear look at how platforms like Picter can foster collaboration, professionalization, and global reach.
This conference, moderated by Michael Dooney, explores the critical role of gender equality, diversity, ecological responsibility, and economic transparency in shaping the future of photography festivals. As cultural events evolve to reflect the complexities of contemporary society, these values have become central to building more inclusive, ethical, and sustainable festival models. Reflecting the ideology of the International Photography Festivals Association (IPFA), this discussion serves as a call to action for directors, curators, producers, and artists alike—encouraging a collaborative, horizontal approach to festival-making that prioritizes equity, sustainability, and shared responsibility.
This conversation, moderated by Loana Cobzaru, examines the crucial moment photography festivals face today—where tradition meets transformation, and urgency meets opportunity. Festivals at the Crossroads brings together perspectives from across the field to explore the structural, cultural, and economical challenges shaping the future of festival-making. Echoing the goals of the International Photography Festivals Association (IPFA), this presentation highlights the importance of collaboration, shared knowledge, and professional exchange in building a long term sustainable and equitable global festival landscape. Designed for directors, curators, producers, and artists alike, it invites the community to rethink how festivals can adapt, thrive, and lead in a rapidly evolving cultural environment.
Based in a research done by IPFA with more than 200 photo festivals, this presentation unveils the First Report on the Current State of Photography Festivals Around the World. The report explores key metrics such as the duration and scheduling of events, the number of artists and curators involved, and the financial realities faced by festival organizers. Additionally, examines the broader cultural and institutional recognition of festivals, alongside the evolving concerns and goals of festival teams. Through a combination of statistics, case studies, and firsthand insights, this presentation offers an essential resource for understanding the dynamics of the global photography festival industry. Reflecting the core mission of the International Photography Festivals Association (IPFA), this initiative is designed to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional growth within a diverse and interconnected community. The report offers a foundation for collective reflection—and a starting point for building a more inclusive, transparent, and forward-looking future for photography festivals worldwide.
