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INTERNATIONAL PHOTO

FESTIVAL OLTEN             

10 YEAR JUBILEE 

25.-29.8.2027 

The International Photo Festival Olten is the founding impulse and beating heart of IPFO, embodying its motto, “Love and Passion.” Since 2017, the festival has brought together the leading figures of the international and Swiss photography scene every two years for five days in August in the city of Olten.

Whether through the captivating and thought-provoking evening talks THE STORY BEHIND: An Evening with …, inspiring workshops and seminars, or impressive exhibitions, the festival serves as a meeting place for industry professionals, photography enthusiasts, and curious visitors alike. It is a space for exchange, fresh perspectives, and a glimpse behind the lens.

WE CELEBRATE PHOTOGRAPHY!

  • THE STORY BEHIND: An evening with...

    There is a story behind every photograph. Whether it be a moving, life-changing world event, personal crises, polarising or inspiring figures, or even humorous anecdotes – photographers, the unseen witnesses of their times, offer moving insights into the context of their work.

  • EXHIBITIONS

    Up to 13 exhibitions will be on display both indoors and outdoors. The aim is for them to be fresh, informative, aesthetically pleasing, interesting, inclusive and immersive. These carefully curated exhibitions offer a varied journey through different genres, themes and backgrounds. Each stop becomes a new experience.

  • CAMPUS

    A meeting place for professionals in the photography industry, offering a varied programme of discussions, information and networking. Workshops provide insights into creative and technical aspects, whilst portfolio reviews offer a platform for everyone to present their work to decision-makers.

  • PHOTOVILLE4600

    The photography competition takes place annually, with events held every two years during the festival. As part of the festival, a total of 54 photographers from Switzerland and abroad are showcased across six categories, having been selected by a high-calibre jury. Prizes on offer include cash prizes totalling CHF 15’000, as well as the prestigious IPFO PHOTO AWARD and IPFO SWISS PHOTO AWARD.

  • Mediation

    Experience photography interactively. Engage directly with photographers during artist talks, surrounded by their exhibitions, followed by book signings. Children, families and school groups learn about photography in a playful and creative way. In doing so, they broaden and consolidate their understanding of visual language and media literacy in a rapidly changing visual landscape.

  • ZUMSTEIN VILLAGE

    Representatives from leading camera manufacturers will be showcasing their latest models and products. Through one-to-one discussions, customers can find out more about the latest technical capabilities and put their skills to the test during on-site photo walks and events.

  • FESTIVAL SQUARE

    Food, drinks, parties and chance encounters with the icons of photography.

SPEAKERS & EXHIBITIONS

  • SPEAKER |

    • LARS BOERING

    • GILES DULEY

    • EMAN MOHAMMED

    • NICK ÚT

    • MAGDALENA HERREERA

    • CELESTE SLOMAN

    • SAMANTHA STARK

    • MARCO GROB

    • PHIL TOLEDANO

    • DAN WINTERS

    • SHANE KIMBROUGH

    • JONATHAN WOODS

    • LEVON BISS

    • FABIAN OEFNER

    • CORY RICHARDS

    • STEPHEN WILKES

  • SPEAKER |

    • HARRY BENSON

    • LYNSEY ADDARIO

    • CORY RICHARDS

    • RON BEINNER

    • YUMNA AL-ARASHI

  • SPEAKER |

    • ANTON CORBIJN

    • BRIGITTE LACOMBE

    • ERIK MADIGAN HECK

    • DOMINIC NAHR

    • STUART FRANKLIN

    • JULIA FULLERTON-BATTEN

    EXHIBITIONS |

    • DOMINC NAHR | CONCURRENT

    • ROGER BALLEN | ASYLUM OF THE BIRDS

  • SPEAKER |

    • ROBERT BÖSCH

    • EVGENIA ARBUGAEVA

    • DAN WINTERS

    EXHIBITIONS |

    • EVGENIA ARBUGAEVA | HYPERBOREA

    • JENS KRAUER | STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

    • MARTIN OEGGERLI | ARS EX MACHINA

    • MARTIN PARR | PARRATHON

    • DEANNA DIKEMAN | WAVING HANDS

    • SCHWEIZER ILLUSTRIERTE | NÄHER DRAN

    • CAP PRIZE

  • SPEAKER |

    • PLATON

    • BRASCHLER & FISCHER

    • AÏDA MULUNEH

    EXHIBITIONS |

    • CARLOS LEAL | HEROES OF ANOTHER STORY

    • GRIT WOLANY | HYPERSIMULACRUM

    • BROOKE DI DONATO

    • MATT STUART | ALL THAT LIFE CAN AFFORD

    • NIKITA TERYOSHIN | NOTHING PERSONAL

    • CANON | UNSEEN WORLD

    • CLAUDE HOFER | EMOTIONAL WAVES

    • CONSCIOUS INFLUENCE HUB | WHAT THE FAKE

    • JILLIAN EDELSTEIN | HERE AND THERE

    • OLTNER ANSICHTEN

    • VINCENT HECHT

    • PHOTOVILLE4600

    • BRASCHLER & FISCHER | DISPLACED

  • T.B.A

Festival impressionS

2017 - 2023