The 2nd International Meeting of Photography Festivals will take place in Barcelona (Spain) from 2 to 5 July 2026, bringing together professionals from across the global festival ecosystem for four days of collaborative learning, strategic discussion and international networking. Organised by the International Photography Festivals Association (IPFA), the meeting reinforces Barcelona as a key international platform for the professional development of photography festivals worldwide.
What This Meeting Is Really About
It follows the overwhelming success of the first edition, where more than fifty festivals from around the world came together to start something truly new. This year confirms it: we are building a movement that is transforming the future of photography festivals! For the first time, festivals are not only gathering to present their work, but to rethink the sector together, share resources, create common tools and define a long-term vision. This meeting is more than a programme. It is a turning point. A space where collaboration becomes action, where new alliances emerge, and where the foundations of a sustainable, innovative and interconnected future are being built.
4 Days &
More Than 30 Amazing Activities
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Networking sessions that will allow participants to meet global professionals in the field.
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Debates that help shape the next generation of photography festivals.
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In-depth discussions on trends, challenges, and the future of photography festivals.
Porfolio Reviews to Connect Artists and Photographers with Curators and Directors
The Opening of 15 Captivating Exhibitions
A dedicated space where artists and photographers engage directly with festival representatives from around the world to receive feedback, build connections and explore exhibition opportunities.
Participants will immerse themselves in inspiring photographic works and will discover new talent from around the world.
Confirmed Festivals
3 KEY MILESTONES
Networking for Photography Festivals
Global Economics of Photography Festivals
Best Practices Manual:
Collective Debate and Approval
Unique international meeting point to connect 50+ festivals to foster long-term collaborations, knowledge exchange and cross-border opportunities within the global photographic landscape.
Presentation of an unprecedented international study that maps how festivals operate financially to strengthen sustainability and long-term planning.
A collaborative process to refine, agree upon and officially adopt shared principles that will guide the governance, production and development of photography festivals worldwide.
2-5 JULY, 2026 | BARCELONA
Full Program
2nd International Meeting of Photography Festivals
09:30 – 17:00
Accreditations
Accreditations open at 9:30 am and will remain open until 5 pm. There is no need to register every day
10:00 - 10:45
Welcome & Opening Session
Introduction by the IPFA team and invited speakers, presenting achievements from the first year and outlining shared goals for 2026.
11:00 - 12:00
Cross-Disciplinary Panel: Learning from Cinema, Music, and Theatre Festivals
Directors from cinema, music, and theatre festivals discuss innovation, audience development, sustainability, and collaboration models relevant to photography festivals.
12:00 - 13:30
Best Practices Manual for Photography Festivals - Towards a Shared Vision
Presentation of the draft IPFA Best Practices Manual, followed by small-group discussions to refine proposals, define amendments, and plan the final approval process.
13:30 - 15:00
Collective Networking Lunch
A shared lunch to strengthen dialogue, exchange experiences, and build cooperative dynamics among festivals.
15:00 - 16:00
Presentation of the II Report: Global Economics of Photography Festivals
Presentation of the second IPFA Report, offering a global overview of the financial structures, funding models, labour ecosystems, and production costs that shape photography festivals worldwide.
16:00 - 17:00
Open Forum: What Photographers Expect from Festivals
Photographers from different countries and backgrounds share their needs, frustrations, and ideas to improve open calls, communication, and selection processes.
17:00 - 17:30
Report on Open Calls and New Tendencies by Emily McSweeney from Picter
An analysis of global open call data, trends, and future directions presented by Emily McSweeney from Picter.
17:30 - 18:00
Collective Video Screening
Two-minute videos from each festival highlighting their mission, programming, and artistic identity.
18:30 - 19:00
IPFA Awards 2025 Ceremony
Announcement of winners and awards ceremony of the IPFA Award 2025.
19:00 - 22:00
Opening exhibitions at Centre Cívic Pati Llimona
22:00 - 24:00
Dinner & Networking Night