There are origami cats, Ecuadorian midwives, and harrowing images from the Ukraine war on display at the Photoworks Festival 2026. This year's festival, running from October 2 to November 1, unfolds under the theme “Un/Stable: Lands, Anxieties, Dreams,” and takes place at various venues across Brighton and Hove.
Directed by Louise Fedotov-Clements, the festival aims to provoke thought on issues like climate change, belonging, resilience, and social change. “I want this to be a safe space to have challenging conversations, encountering a variety of ideas and ways of being in a positive light,” Fedotov-Clements told the press. The festival not only includes photographic exhibitions but also provides a platform for dialogue about pressing global issues.
Among the featured artists is Tsz Wai Pun, whose work titled “Bones of Our Land” addresses the entanglements between human and non-human worlds. This piece exemplifies the festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse narratives that speak to both personal and collective experiences. The festival curates a blend of art that resonates with current social climates, and the inclusion of themes from the Ukraine war serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflicts affecting many lives globally.
The festival has partnered with Brighton & Hove Museums, where CEO Hedley Swain expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. “We are delighted to once more be working in partnership with Photoworks and have the opportunity to host some of their exhibitions in our gallery spaces,” he said, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in the arts.
Photoworks Festival 2026 also explores the idea of resilience through the lens of various cultures and experiences. Exhibitions will delve into ecological themes and archival practices, reflecting on how different communities confront challenges in their environments. The festival aims to create an intercultural dialogue that encourages visitors to reflect on their own experiences and the broader societal contexts.
One of the festival’s standout themes, “Anxieties,” features works that confront personal and collective fears. This includes pieces that address the psychological impact of climate change and political instability. The artists involved are tasked with conveying complex emotions and narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.
The festival’s eclectic mix of content, from the whimsical to the sobering, ensures that attendees will encounter a range of perspectives. The origami cats, created by an artist exploring themes of fragility and playfulness, juxtapose the weighty subject matter from Ukraine, creating a dynamic dialogue within the festival's framework.
Photoworks Festival has consistently aimed to create spaces for reflection and discussion, and 2026 is no exception. The festival encourages visitors to engage with the artwork actively, sparking conversations that extend beyond the galleries. It stands as a reminder that art can serve as both a mirror and a window into the complexities of human experience.
As the festival approaches, the anticipation builds for the insights and emotions that these diverse works will evoke. With artists tackling urgent themes and inviting audiences to participate in critical conversations, Photoworks Festival 2026 promises to be an impactful cultural event in the heart of Brighton and Hove.
According to The Guardian.
