Arles 2026 Photography Festival Highlights Independence and Identity

The 57th edition of the Rencontres d'Arles runs until 4 October 2026, with themes including 'independence', 'journeys', 'forms of life', 'revisits', and 'uncertain archive'. The festival features over 20 exhibitions across multiple venues. Key shows include 'Ghana!: Independence show' featuring works by Samuel JK Essoun, Paul Strand, and James Barnor; 'Photoromance' by Ivorian photographer Paul Kodjo; 'The Good News is Delivered Not on Mountaintops but in Clearings' by Ayana V Jackson; 'Animal Model' with works by Masahisa Fukase, William Wegman, and Pieter Hugo; 'We are not Alone' exploring UFO photography with Eduard Albert 'Billy' Meier and Sacha Goldberger; 'The Anonymous Project' by Lee Shulman and Omar Victor Diop; 'Monsieur Steichen' by Lisa Oppenheim; 'This Way to Heaven' marking William Klein's centenary; 'Soul of the City' by Martine Barrat; 'A Sense of Place' by Harry Gruyaert; 'Wandering Light' by Ming Smith; 'Flower Power' with Alice Pallot; 'Upwelling' by Meghann Riepenhoff; and 'Vigilance' featuring Pierre Bérenger. The James Barnor prize third edition, dedicated to Southern Africa, will announce its winner on 8 July.