Brighton Photo Biennial returns 28 September – 28 October 2018 with a month of free photography exhibitions and events for professionals, enthusiasts, students and families alike. The theme for its eighth edition is The New Europe and the festival will be curated by the newly appointed Photoworks Director, Shoair Mavlian.

Shoair, formerly Assistant Curator at Tate Modern, says, “The United Kingdom’s status in the European Union may be changing, however, geographically Britain will remain part of Europe, with a shared history and intertwined future. At this transitional point, we will use photography to examine our current state of flux, reflecting on our relationship with Europe and the geographies of the United Kingdom. The New Europe will cast a wide net to examine the current instability looking at the ongoing refugee crisis as well as photography’s role in the construction of national identity. Our theme will also allow us to look back at Photoworks’ own beginnings as the Cross Channel Photographic Mission, a collaborative photographic partnership which took place during the construction of the channel tunnel. The Biennial will present work from national and international practitioners and we’re looking forward to collaborating with local and international partners to share exceptional photography with a wide audience.”

The exhibitions will be open to the public from 10am on Friday 28 September in established galleries, pop-ups and public spaces across the city. An opening evening reception will kickstart a weekend of talks to be enjoyed by arts professionals, practitioners, and photography lovers. Further events will run throughout the festival including workshops for families and young people, plus bespoke tours for schools and colleges.

The Brighton Photo Biennial 2018 Print Partner is Spectrum.
Shoair Mavlian will discuss ideas behind the upcoming Biennial during Offprint at Tate Modern, Sunday 20 May 2018.

Alongside the curated festival, the Biennial’s partner Brighton Photo Fringe, the open-submission festival, will continue to fill the city with photography for all.
A full programme announcement for Brighton Photo Biennial 2018 will be made in July.