Arles 2016, the annual photography festival announces exciting new programs

Arles is a beautiful, charming and sunny town in the south of France. Not far from the beach, the city is famous for its almost always-warm climate, and the friendly welcome extended by its inhabitants.  A quiet destination for tourists during the summer, with an extensive choice of restaurants and pubs, one can hear the cheery cicadas sing all day long - a priceless experience!

Every summer since 1970, the lovely little town hosts a photography festival. Established by photographer (and Arles native) Lucien Clergue, writer Michel Tournier and historian Jean-Maurice Rouquette, the event continues to grow into a bigger and better exhibition every year. Today, it is easily considered one of the most important photography shows in France.

The Rencontres d'Arles continues to welcome professional as well as amature photographers. The splendid venue enables visitors to discover the new faces of photography and get familiar with trends and new talents.

Several philanthropic projects have been established to promote the art of photography.  Debuting for 2016 will be an artist's retreat set up by artist Stépanie Solinas.  The second annual “Luma Rencontres Dummy Book Award” will fully sponsor finances for the layout of a book. For more than a decade the Découvertes award has been supporting artists in order to finance their production and exhibitions, thanks to a special donation of twenty-five thousand euros.

Bernard Plossu

A unique selection of venues was chosen to showcase the artworks, from ancient 12th century chapels to modern industrial buildings of the 19th century.  Both places are interesting and historic locations that offer the visitors an unprecedented facility to showcase the photographer's work.

Bernard Plossu

In the past, some of the most iconic photographers have been invited to exhibit at Les Rencontres d’Arles : Richard Avedon in 2008, Nan Goldin and Marti Parr in 2009, Guy Bourdin in 2013 and Christian Lacroix in 2014, to name a few. This year you will have the privilege to see the work of Bernard Plossu or PJ Harvey and Seamus Murphy as well as discovering the artists nominated for the Découvertes award. One can only hope that these artists will have the same career as their illustrious predecessors, and the audience will be able to proudly say, “I discovered them first at Les Recontres d’ Arles!”