Founded in 1970 by Arles photographer Lucien Clergue, writer Michel Tournier and historian Jean‑Maurice Rouquette, the Rencontres d’Arles represents one of the most internationally renowned festival dedicated to contemporary photography. Born in a period when photography was still regarded as a “minor” art, the event played an important role in enabling it to gain recognition from institutions so that now it brings together artists from all over the world. Year after year, the Arles photography festival tries to encourage a deeper reflection on our worldview through the eyes of photographers.

This year marks the 56th anniversary of the festival, which takes the title of “Disobedient Images”. Inspired by Édouard Glissant’s ideas, it celebrates photography as a medium for cultural dialogue and social transformation, tackling issues like nationalism, environmental crises, and identity politics.

Central themes include memory, decolonization, and marginalized voices, such as Afro-Brazilian, Indigenous, and LGBTQIA+ perspectives, highlighting art’s capacity to provoke and reimagine new scenarios and possibilities.

The festival will be held from 7th July to 5th October 2025, hosting around 40 events all over the city in the most different and outstanding locations. The Rencontres d’Arles is much more than a static photography exhibition: it features interactive events connecting the public and the artists, along with conferences, readings, live performances and concerts.

> The Artists:
> Day by Day Agenda
> Exhibitions List
> Exhibitions Map

Since 2013, the Rencontres d’Arles Online Media Library has aimed to become a leading audiovisual archive dedicated to photography.
> Media Library

Les Rencontres d’Arles
from 7th July to 5th October 2025
> www.rencontres-arles.com

Image: Tony Albert (Kuku Yalanji), David Charles Collins and Kieran Lawson. Warakurna Superheroes #1, Warakurna Superheroes series, 2017. Courtesy of the artists / Sullivan+Strumpf.