PHOTO, Melbourne (2026)

26/08/2025

A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD

After seven extraordinary years, PHOTO Australia is coming to a close.

Since 2018, we’ve championed photography through free exhibitions, global partnerships and three major festivals that welcomed over 600,000 visitors.

We've worked with more than 400 artists, transformed public spaces and sparked conversations that will continue long beyond our final festival.

Behind every PHOTO Australia event was a passionate and dedicated team. Huge thanks to Founder and Artistic Director Elias Redstone, Executive Director Clare McKenzie, Curators Brendan McCleary and Pippa Milne, International Partnerships Manager Jessica O’Brien and Marketing and Communications Manager Sean Barrett for your vision and commitment.

To every photographer, artist, partner, funder, volunteer and supporter – thank you. Your belief in the power of photography made it all possible.

Read more on the PHOTO Australia website here: www.photo.org.au

28/07/2025

On Country: Photography from Australia is making headlines! 📰✨

From feature spreads in international magazines to a front cover in one of France’s major newspapers, the media response to the exhibition at Rencontres d’Arles has been nothing short of phenomenal.

It’s an incredible moment for Australian photography — and for the many artists whose work is now being seen and celebrated by audiences around the world. Check out the highlights below!

On Country: Photography from Australia is co-produced by the Rencontres d’Arles and PHOTO Australia.

Curated by PHOTO Australia Founder/Artistic Director Elias Redstone, Guest Curator Kimberley Moulton (Yorta Yorta), and PHOTO Australia Curators Pippa Milne and Brendan McCleary.

Supported by the Australian Government through the International Cultural Diplomacy Arts Fund, the Bowness Family Foundation, and the French Australian Cultural Exchange Foundation (FACEF). Additional support by the Australian Embassy, France and the French Embassy in Australia, and Michael & Emily Tong.

Photos: Will Hamilton-Coates

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25/07/2025

A huge thank you to the French-Australian Cultural Exchange Foundation – FACEF for supporting On Country: Photography from Australia at the Rencontres d’Arles, as well as the accompanying exhibition catalogue!

As a newly established organisation, we’re honoured that On Country was the very first initiative FACEF chose to support – a meaningful step in their mission to deepen cultural exchange between France and Australia.

We’re incredibly grateful for their belief in this project and in the power of Australian photography to resonate across borders. Merci beaucoup to the FACEF team!

Visit www.facef.org to learn more.

On Country: Photography from Australia is co-produced by the Rencontres d’Arles and PHOTO Australia.

Curated by PHOTO Australia Founder/Artistic Director Elias Redstone, Guest Curator Kimberley Moulton (Yorta Yorta), and PHOTO Australia Curators Pippa Milne and Brendan McCleary.

Supported by the Australian Government through the International Cultural Diplomacy Arts Fund, the Bowness Family Foundation, and the French Australian Cultural Exchange Foundation (FACEF). Additional support by the Australian Embassy, France and the French Embassy in Australia, and Michael & Emily Tong.

Images: On Country: Photography from Australia, installation view, the Rencontres d’Arles 2025. Photo: Will Hamilton-Coates.

24/07/2025

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Bowness Family Foundation for their vital support of On Country: Photography from Australia at the Rencontres d’Arles.

As a founding partner of PHOTO Australia, the Foundation has been a driving force behind the international advocacy of Australian photographic talent. Their vision and generosity made On Country not only possible, but powerful — ensuring Australian artists are seen, celebrated, and supported on the world stage.

This exhibition is the result of years of dedicated advocacy through the Bowness Family Foundation’s partnership with PHOTO Australia, championing Australian photography to global institutions and festivals. We’re proud to have their support at Rencontres d’Arles 2025.

Thank you, Bowness Family Foundation, for your unwavering commitment to Australian photography!

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On Country: Photography from Australia is co-produced by the Rencontres d’Arles and PHOTO Australia.

Curated by PHOTO Australia Founder/Artistic Director Elias Redstone, Guest Curator Kimberley Moulton (Yorta Yorta), and PHOTO Australia Curators Pippa Milne and Brendan McCleary.

Supported by the Australian Government through the International Cultural Diplomacy Arts Fund, the Bowness Family Foundation, and the French Australian Cultural Exchange Foundation (FACEF). Additional support by the Australian Embassy, France and the French Embassy in Australia, and Michael & Emily Tong.
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Images: On Country: Photography from Australia, installation view, the Rencontres d’Arles 2025. Photo: Will Hamilton-Coates.

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17/07/2025

What a week in Arles! 🎉

On Country: Photography from Australia made its world premiere at the Rencontres d’Arles — marking a momentous first for Australian photography!

From powerful artist talks and jam-packed tours, to a moving performance by First Nations choir Djinama Yilaga and a disco takeover by q***r artist duo The Huxleys, Opening Week was full of energy, connection, and celebration.

Even more special, so many of the exhibiting artists were able to travel to Arles and share their practices with new audiences in person.

Here’s a glimpse of the joy, power, and community that defined Arles Opening Week 2025.

The exhibition remains open throughout the Rencontres d’Arles festival until October 5. Head to link in bio for more info.

On Country: Photography from Australia is co-produced by the Rencontres d’Arles and PHOTO Australia.

Curated by PHOTO Australia Founder/Artistic Director Elias Redstone, Guest Curator Kimberley Moulton (Yorta Yorta), and PHOTO Australia Curators Pippa Milne and Brendan McCleary.

Supported by the Australian Government through the International Cultural Diplomacy Arts Fund, the Bowness Family Foundation, and the French Australian Cultural Exchange Foundation (FACEF). Additional support by the Australian Embassy, France and the French Embassy in Australia, and Michael & Emily Tong.

Images: On Country: Photography from Australia, installation view, the Rencontres d’Arles 2025. Photo: Will Hamilton-Coates.

PHOTO
Les Rencontres de la photographie, Arles
Tony Albert & David Charles Collins
Ying Ang
Atong Atem
Sonja Carmichael & Elisa Jane Carmichael
Maree Clarke
Michael Cook
Brenda L Croft
J Davies
Liss Fenwick
Adam Ferguson
Robert Fielding
The Huxleys
Ricky Maynard
Lisa Sorgini
Tace Stevens
wani toaishara
James Tylor

AusGov Office for the Arts
L'Australie en France
France in Australia - Ambassade de France en Australie
Perimeter Books

12/07/2025

Happy NAIDOC Week!

The acronym NAIDOC stands for National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee. NAIDOC Week has its roots in the 1938 Day of Mourning, becoming a week-long event in 1975.

We are proud to present 8 installations by Australia First Peoples in the exhibition On Country: Photography from Australia at the Rencontres d’Arles 2025 - introducing the breadth and excellence contemporary First Nations photography.

Tony Albert (Kuku Yalanji)

Sonja Carmichael (Ngugi/Quandamooka) & Elisa Jane Carmichael (Ngugi/Quandamooka)

Maree Clarke (Yorta Yorta/Wamba Wamba/Mutti Mutti/Boonwurrung)

Michael Cook (Bidjara)

Brenda L Croft (Gurindji/Malngin/Mudburra)

Robert Fielding (Yankunytjatjara/Western Arrernte peoples)

The Huxleys – Garrett Huxley (Gumbaynggirr/Yorta Yorta)

Ricky Maynard (Pakana)

Tace Stevens (Noongar/Spinifex)

James Tylor (Kaurna)

Images: On Country: Photography from Australia, installation view, the Rencontres d’Arles 2025. Photo: Will Hamilton-Coates.

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11/07/2025

A packed crowd joined us this afternoon for the official On Country public program tour in Arles!

So special to have 15 of the exhibiting artists here in person to share stories behind their work and connect directly with audiences.

Thank you to everyone who came along and made it such a memorable part of Opening Week!

Images:
On Country: Photography from Australia, installation view, the Rencontres d’Arles 2025. Photo: Will Hamilton-Coates.

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11/07/2025

Australian photography on the world stage! All week international photo fans, curators and critics have been witnessing the strength of Australian photography for the first time at the Rencontres d’Arles.

Open now until October 7, this landmark exhibition celebrates 17 groundbreaking Australian artists and collectives at the world’s most prestigious photography festival, featuring over 200 works exploring powerful connections to land, identity, and culture.

On Country: Photography from Australia is co-produced by the Rencontres d’Arles and PHOTO Australia.

Curated by PHOTO Australia Founder/Artistic Director Elias Redstone, Guest Curator Kimberley Moulton (Yorta Yorta), and PHOTO Australia Curators Pippa Milne and Brendan McCleary.

Supported by the Australian Government through the International Cultural Diplomacy Arts Fund, the Bowness Family Foundation, and the French Australian Cultural Exchange Foundation (FACEF). Additional support by the Australian Embassy, France and the French Embassy in Australia, and Michael & Emily Tong.

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06/07/2025

Now Open! On Country: Photography from Australia makes its world premiere today at the Rencontres d’Arles!

This landmark exhibition celebrates 17 groundbreaking Australian artists and collectives at the world’s most prestigious photography festival, featuring over 200 works exploring powerful connections to land, identity, and culture.

Congratulations to the exhibiting artists – many of whom have travelled to Arles to celebrate the opening!

Tony Albert & David Charles Collins
Ying Ang
Atong Atem
Sonja Carmichael & Elisa Jane Carmichael
Maree Clarke
Michael Cook
Brenda L Croft
J Davies
Liss Fenwick
Adam Ferguson
Robert Fielding
The Huxleys
Ricky Maynard
Lisa Sorgini
Tace Stevens
wani toaishara
James Tylor

See more beautiful installation shots of the exhibition, and what’s on during the Arles 2025 Opening Week at photo.org.au

Co-produced by the Rencontres d’Arles and PHOTO Australia.

Curated by PHOTO Australia Founder/Artistic Director Elias Redstone, Guest Curator Kimberley Moulton (Yorta Yorta), and PHOTO Australia Curators Pippa Milne and Brendan McCleary.

Supported by the Australian Government through the International Cultural Diplomacy Arts Fund, the Bowness Family Foundation, and the French Australian Cultural Exchange Foundation (FACEF). Additional support by the Australian Embassy, France and the French Embassy in Australia, and Michael & Emily Tong.

Images: ‘On Country: Photography from Australia’, Rencontres d'Arles 2025. Courtesy PHOTO Australia. Photo: Will Hamilton–Coates.

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04/07/2025

From Australia to Arles – here’s your first look inside the stunning Église Sainte-Anne venue, where we’re putting the finishing touches on On Country: Photography from Australia.

Featuring over 200 photographs by 17 artists and collectives, the exhibition opens this Monday July 7 in Arles!

In case you missed it – On Country: Photography from Australia is the first-ever major showing of Australian photography at the world’s most prestigious photography festival, the Rencontres d’Arles in France. Read more at photo.org.au.

Co-produced by the Rencontres d’Arles and PHOTO Australia.

Curated by PHOTO Australia Founder/Artistic Director Elias Redstone, Guest Curator Kimberley Moulton (Yorta Yorta), and PHOTO Australia Curators Pippa Milne and Brendan McCleary.

Supported by the Australian Government through the International Cultural Diplomacy Arts Fund, the Bowness Family Foundation, and the French Australian Cultural Exchange Foundation (FACEF). Additional support by the Australian Embassy, France and the French Embassy in Australia, and Michael & Emily Tong.

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Images:
On Country: Photography from Australia, Installation WIP. Co-produced by PHOTO Australia and the Rencontres d’Arles. Courtesy the Rencontres d’Arles. Photo: Adrian A, Eulalie Pernelt, and Mélody Rondenet.

30/06/2025

Only 1 week to go until this (super) hero image takes over the historic town of Arles, France!

Tony Albert, David Charles Collins and Kieran Lawson’s work has been chosen to represent the entire Rencontres d'Arles 2025 festival – a huge moment for Australian photography.

Keep an eye out for 'Warakurna Superheroes #1' all over Arles this French summer, as part of the exhibition 'On Country: Photography from Australia', opening next Monday.

Read more at photo.org.au

Co-produced by PHOTO Australia and the Rencontres d’Arles and on display 7 July – 5 October 2025.

Curated by PHOTO Australia Founder/Artistic Director Elias Redstone, Guest Curator Kimberley Moulton (Yorta Yorta), and PHOTO Australia Curators Pippa Milne and Brendan McCleary.

Supported by the Australian Government through the International Cultural Diplomacy Arts Fund, the Bowness Family Foundation, and the French Australian Cultural Exchange Foundation (FACEF). Additional support by the Australian Embassy, France and the French Embassy in Australia, and Michael & Emily Tong.

Image: Tony Albert, David Charles Collins and Kieran Lawson, Warakurna Superheroes #1, 2017.

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19/06/2025

The Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP) in Paris has invited PHOTO Australia Founder/Artistic Director Elias Redstone to speak about the On Country: Photography from Australia exhibition launching at the Rencontres d’Arles 2025 next month.

In conversation with MEP Artistic Director Clothilde Morette, Elias will provide a preview of the exhibition and highlight the work of five artists, offering a deeper understanding of their creations and artistic approaches.

Together, they'll explore how photography is being redefined in Australia, as a medium for truth telling, self-determination and collaboration, both acknowledging the past and suggesting possible futures.

MEP Paris
Friday 27 June
6:30pm–7:30pm
This event will be held in English

Book at link in bio →

Image: Tony Albert, David Charles Collins and Kieran Lawson, Warakurna Superheroes #1, 2017.
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