Ballarat International Foto Biennale

This year’s theme is Lifeforce, and it ties into an eight-week program of exhibitions, public art, talks, and workshops across more than 100 venues throughout Ballarat.

Presented by Intrepid Travel, the festival will feature over 360 artists and bring together Australian and international photographers, digital artists, and creative practitioners. The program includes Australian-exclusive exhibitions, world premieres, and large-scale outdoor installations.

Image of Catherine Leroy.
Image of 1960/70's French photo journalist Catherine Leroy.

Vanessa Gerrans, Artistic Director and CEO of the Biennale, said the 2025 edition celebrates the creative drive that connects artists with audiences. “This year’s program reflects a wide range of perspectives through photography and visual storytelling, offering visitors the chance to engage with both established and emerging voices.”

The Biennale is massive, with countless events and exhibitions over the eight week long festival.

Upcoming Events Submit an Event

July

Sydney: Until 31 Dec 2025. PIX, Australia’s first pictorial news weekly, is brought to life in this exhibition, showcasing its archived images and stories for the very first time.

September

Canberra: 11 – 23 November. Step into the heart of Canberra through the eyes of local photographers. Essence of Canberra marks 80 years of creativity, community, and the unique perspectives of Canberra Photographic Society (CPS) members.

November

Sydney: 7–30 November. The festival transforms Sydney into a photography haven with major exhibitions at Bondi Pavilion Gallery and outdoor displays throughout Paddington Reservoir Gardens and along Bondi Beach.

Sydney: 13 Nov – 20 Nov. Mushroom Ocean is an exhibition of culinary mushroom photos by Kate Ireland running as part of the Head On Photo Festival Open Program.

Sydney: 17 Nov – 23 Nov 2025. This collection of photographs offers a glimpse into the lives of the community of Varanasi, capturing the spirit of its people and the beauty often found in ordinary moments.

Melbourne: 28 Nov 2025 – 26 May 2026. The exhibition celebrates the wide-ranging photographic practices of more than eighty women artists working between 1900 and 1975.