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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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FESTIVAL SQUARE
Food, drinks, parties and chance encounters with the icons of photography.
SPEAKERS & EXHIBITIONS
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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
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SPEAKER |
HARRY BENSON
LYNSEY ADDARIO
CORY RICHARDS
RON BEINNER
YUMNA AL-ARASHI
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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
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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
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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
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T.B.A
Festival impressionS
2017 - 2023

