Bristol Photo Festival 2026 Announces 'Time Machine' Theme
The third edition of the Bristol Photo Festival is set to take place from 14 October to 15 November 2026, themed 'Time Machine.' This biennial event will be hosted across prominent visual arts venues and unconventional locations throughout Bristol. Festival Director Alejandro Acín emphasizes that this edition aims to challenge the conventional perception of time in photography. The program features exhibitions, workshops, screenings, talks, and ongoing community projects. The previous edition drew more than 115,000 attendees. Key institutions involved include Arnolfini, Bristol Museums, Martin Parr Foundation, Watershed, and the University of Bristol. Announced in May 2026, the festival reflects a shift in photographic discourse, viewing images as complex temporal sites rather than mere records.
Key facts
- Bristol Photo Festival returns for its third edition in autumn 2026.
- The festival runs from 14 October to 15 November 2026.
- The theme is 'Time Machine'.
- Alejandro Acín is the Festival Director.
- The second edition attracted over 115,000 visitors.
- The festival involves Arnolfini, Bristol Museums, Martin Parr Foundation, Watershed, University of the West of England, Brigstow Institute, and University of Bristol.
- The announcement was made in May 2026.
- The festival includes exhibitions, talks, screenings, workshops, and community engagement projects.
Entities
Artists
- Alejandro Acín
- Holly Lynton
- Giulio di Sturco
- Martin Parr
Institutions
- Bristol Photo Festival
- Arnolfini
- Bristol Museums
- Martin Parr Foundation
- Watershed
- University of the West of England
- Brigstow Institute
- University of Bristol
- Photo London
- Paris Photo
- Rencontres d'Arles
- Les Rencontres de Bamako
- Kyotographie
- Cortona On The Move
- Aesthetica Magazine
- Magnum Photos
Locations
- Bristol
- United Kingdom
- Arles
- France
- Bamako
- Mali
- Kyoto
- Japan
- Cortona
- Italy
- Florence
- Massachusetts
- England