CONTACT Photography Festival Celebrates 30 Years in Toronto

CONTACT, the largest photography festival globally, is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary with the 2026 edition commencing on May 1 in Toronto. The fundraising gala "Picture This" took place on February 24 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto, showcasing pieces by artists including Jake Kimble, Edward Burtynsky, Suzy Lake, Ken Lum, and Kent Monkman. Jake Kimble, a Chipewyan (Dëne Sųłıné) artist and curator of Ceremonial Art in Vancouver, presented their self-portrait Pow, Right in the Kisser. Since joining CONTACT in 2023, Kimble will also exhibit solo at United Contemporary in October. Executive Director Darcy Killeen emphasized the festival's grassroots approach and its Open Call Exhibitions, which connect lens-based artists with Toronto venues. Over its 29-year history, CONTACT has featured 8,500 artists, attracting over 20 million visitors. The 2026 Core Program will include works from artists such as Ernesto Cabral de Luna, Delali Cofie, and more, focusing on themes like decolonial practices, migration, and community-building.