Rencontres d’Arles

Rencontres d’Arles is a photography festival held from July to September in the city of Arles in south-eastern France.

This year, celebrating 40 years, is set to be a massive celebration of the event and the creativity it fosters. The Rencontres d’Arles has expanded massively in recent years, with up to 60,000 taking part each year. Participants range from amateurs to professionals, novices to aficionados. Some attend the festival as deliberate visitors, others are chance passers-by. The atmosphere of the Rencontres d’Arles is welcoming to all who are interested in the art of photography.

The Rencontres d’Arles encourages artistic innovation and creative celebration of the excitement of life. The founders – Lucien Clergue, Jean-Maurice Rouquette and Michel Tournier, promoted photography as an innovative field in which artists could take risks in forming their images and use new technologies to constantly push the boundaries of image.

Controversial works were valued and artists are encouraged to use their work to challenge accepted standards. In its 40th year, the Rencontres d’Arles has invited back notable photographers who used their images to subvert social norms, such as the images produced during the 1970s women’s movement and more recently, the rise of Barack Obama.

The Rencontres d’Arles is built on risk taking, making the impossible possible, discovery and creativity. The work of hallowed artists is presented alongside newly budding talents for all to appreciate. As well as exhibitions and awards, the Rencontres d’Arles includes workshops for keen photographers to learn more about the skills of creating an image and social activities for participants to mingle and meet with other photographers, both new and experienced.

Nan Goldin is this year’s guest of honour and the event is not to be missed by both up-and-coming photographers and experienced professionals.

Picture: Nan Godin – Nan and Brian in the bed, New York City, 1983