The Ballarat International Foto Biennale returns for 2025

Guide to the Ballarat International Foto Biennale (Ballarat Foto) 2025

What is the Ballarat International Foto Biennale?

The Ballarat International Foto Biennale (aka Ballarat Foto) is a 60-day festival showcasing the work of local and international photographers, as well as workshops, food and drink, discussions and art celebrations throughout the City of Ballarat.

This year’s theme, LIFEFORCE,  poses the question: what does it mean to be alive? What does it mean to exist, to connect, to endure, to question and to create?

"With the theme LIFEFORCE, the program dives deep into identity, resilience, and the unseen energies that shape our lives. It’s a festival that doesn’t just showcase photography — it connects us to the human experience," Nowak says.

"While photography remains at its heart, the program now thinks about images and light in new ways."

When is Ballarat Foto on in 2025?

The Ballarat International Foto Biennale runs from 23 August – 19 October, 2025.

While outdoor free works have no set times, the festival will be running a range of exhibitions, activities, and events over the two-month period, so it is best to plan your visit accordingly.

Where is Ballarat Foto being held?

Ballarat in the Central Highlands is Victoria’s third largest city, located around 90 minutes from Melbourne. It is known for being the home of the Australian Gold Rush era, and is home to many popular tourist attractions, from Sovereign Hill to its botanical gardens, wildlife park, ghost tours, and historical experiences like Kryal Castle, as well as its burgeoning arts scene.

The main 'Festival Hub' is located at 12 Lydiard St North in the Ballarat town centre, from which many festival venues are within walking distance. Venues hosting Ballarat Foto's core program (ticketed exhibitions) this year include:

• Ballarat Mining Exchange, 12 Lydiard St North
• Post Office Gallery, corner Sturt and Lydiard St North
• Ballarat Town Hall, 225 Sturt St
• Former Miners Tavern, 120 Lydiard St North
• Catobeen Room at Ballarat GovHub, 101 Armstrong St North

There are more than 80 exhibition venues in total, including RACV Goldfields, plus outdoor sites like streets and laneways.

How can I get tickets to Ballarat Foto?

A festival pass is required to see the six core program exhibitions at Ballarat Foto.

Festival passes can be bought online, or on arrival at the Ballarat Foto Box Office at the Festival Hub. Visitors can elect to purchase either a single day ticket or a season festival pass, giving you access to the six core program exhibitions for the duration of the festival. Printed festival programs can also be purchased at the Festival Hub.

Children up to 15 years old are free and concessions are available for student, pension or healthcare card holders.

RACV Members receive 15% off full-priced single-day tickets to the Ballarat International Foto Biennale with the code RACV2025.

Who is Ballarat Foto for? Is it appropriate for children?

Ballarat Foto is open to all visitors, including children. Some events may have age restrictions, age recommendations or content warnings - visit the specific event page for more information.

A free school holiday program is planned for Septmber 20-October 5, with children of all ages invited to try their hand at some fun creative activities. Kids can learn how to make their own origami camera out of folded paper, or even create a bogong moth inspired by Dave Jones and Dr Deanne Gilson's work, Mumu Mirri. Children must be accompanied by an adult and bookings are not required. 

As part of Ballarat Foto, RACV Goldfields will also be hosting The Nuts, a series of giant, colourful, inflatable gumnuts inspired by the Australian bush. Conceived and produced by Accolade Art (with design from Jacinta Weyers and construction by Inflatable Events), the soft sculptures are sure to delight even the youngest Ballarat Foto visitors. See The Nuts on display at RACV Goldfields from September 12-16.

Which artists feature at the Ballarat Foto?

More than 360 artists will feature in Ballarat Foto 2025, including both established and emerging creatives from across the world. 

In addition to works from Addy, Mapplethorpe and Leroy, Ballarat Foto's core program for 2025 also features exhibitions from Lê Nguyên Phuong, Hiromi Tango, Brian O'Dwyer, Leicolhn McKellar, Jody Haines, Debasish Mukherjee, Annelìse Seréna Belladonna, Max Deutscher, Jett Leduc, Sam Bloor, Jesse Marlow, Leila Jeffreys and Maria Fernanda Cardoso.

The festival's open program also returns in 2025, giving early-career photographers, hobbyists and more the chance to have their works exhibited.

"One of the parts that I really love about this Biennale is that you have this combination of very well known, international and professional photographers, but then you also have this open call out that anyone really can apply for," Nowak says. 

This year RACV Goldfields will host one of the open program exhibitions, A Dahliance by Kathy Muhlhan. A Ballarat local, Muhlhan studied photography in the 1990s and dabbled in commercial and wedding photography before being pulled in other directions. 

In A Dahliance, Muhlhan uses double exposures to overlay images of Lake Wendouree and the adjacent Ballarat Botanical Gardens with photographs of dahlias. Representing love, beauty, devotion and dignity in the language of flowers, Muhlhan's uses the blooms to explore the idea of finding hidden strength in the face of great personal challenges.

Speaking on her work, Muhlhan says, "Art has become essential for me as I face the challenges of my husband’s terminal cancer diagnosis. The long grief is eased when I spend time in nature. I watch the light, and follow the seasons."

Are there any special events or attractions at Ballarat Foto?

Ballarat Foto celebrates the artform through more than just exhibitions, with masterclasses, tours, workshops and events all planned for the festival.

The glittering gem in the program's crown is the opening night Lifeforce Gala, a blacktie celebration of the 2025 artists and the pursuit of photographic excellence. There will also be artist talks with the likes of Nam Le, Todd Hido, and Lê Nguyên Phuong with Phuong Ngo; portfolio reviews where budding photographers can have their work seen by industry experts; Foto walks; a Photobook Fair; workshops on everything from nude photography to creating family albums; and the announcement of the Martin Kantor Portrait Prize.

RACV Goldfields is also running a special program of events during Foto, including the hotly anticipated Art of Lunch.

"We have become  known for our Art of Lunch events at RACV—where art and food come together in a beautifully curated experience," Nowak says.

"This year’s event on August 24 is set to be something truly special, with Campbell Addy and Hiromi Tango both presenting. I can’t wait to see what our chefs dream up to complement the bold visual storytelling of these incredible artists.”

What Ballarat Foto works and events are at the RACV Goldfields Resort?

RACV Goldfields Resort is a proud partner of Ballarat Foto and will this year host several exhibitions alongside a packed program of hands-on events .

“Our dynamic program in 2025 includes a powerful showcase of Campbell Addy’s work on Niijournal—his groundbreaking publication that champions underrepresented voices in fashion, art, and culture."

"We’re also thrilled to present an exclusive exhibition by renowned artist Hiromi Tango. Her exhibition explores emotional healing and transformation through colour, texture, and storytelling. It’s a rare opportunity to experience bold, world-class contemporary art in the heart of Victoria’s historic Goldfields region.”

Some RACV X Ballarat Foto highlights include:

Exhibitions 

All exhibitions at RACV Goldfields are open daily from 10am-4pm between Aug 23-Oct 19. Entry is free.

A Dahliance

Kathy Muhlhan fuses dahlia flowers over images of Lake Wendouree and its Botanical Gardens as an act of self-care in the face of great personal challenges.

Niijournal

A journey through the highlights of Niijournal, an unapologetic celebration of Black creatives.

Hagoromo (Full Flower Moon)

Japanese-Australian artist Hiromi Tango unpacks their identity, alongside grief, separation, longing and lost, in this six-image photographic series inspired by Noh theatre.

Nature~ista 

Some of the animal kingdom's most flamboyant creatures take the spotlight in this colourful exhibition from Leila Jeffreys and Maria Fernanda Cardoso.

Events

Art of Lunch: Campbell Addy, Hiromi Tango and more

24 Aug, 12-3.30pm. $140.

The Art of Lunch series continues with a special Ballarat Foto edition. Hear from major festival artists like Campbell Addy, Hiromi Tango and more as you enjoy a three-course lunch inspired by their artworks and crafted . 

Masterclass: Portrait Photography

6 Sep, 10am-5pm. $280.

Join Kristoffer Paulsen as he unpacks his approach to portraiture, as well as editorial and commercial photography. During the masterclass you'll learn about how Kristoffer crafts narrative, builds a visual language and collaborates with subjects. The event includes the chance to make your own photographs on the day, plus lunch and afternoon teabbgg

Masterclass: Landscape Photography

11 Oct, 10am-5pm. $280

Join Isabella Capazio as she leads you through various approaches to landscape photography. Explore the genre through both a historical and contemporary lens, while also learning about experimental, conceptual, and research-based and site-specific responses to landscape photography. Lunch and afternoon tea included. 

Masterclass: Alternative Processes

18 Oct, 10am-5pm. $280.

This exciting masterclass with Chris Bowes gives guests the chance to create their own photogram tote bag using the cyanotype - one of the oldest photographic techniques - alongside found and brought materials. You'll also have the chance to transform a favourite photo into a unique, handmade polaroid print by transferring and then manipulating their image onto paper. Lunch and afternoon tea included. 

Does Ballarat Foto have accessible services? 

Various programs throughout the festival offer a range of accessible and assistive services, including prams, as listed on the Ballarat Foto Program.

Please check the location of the exhibit you are attending for specific information.

Does Ballarat Foto have a dress code? 

There is no dress code for attending Ballarat Foto.

Is it okay to take photos and video of Ballarat Foto works?

Casual visitors are welcome to take pictures and videos of Ballarat Foto for personal use, unless otherwise stated. 

How do I get to Ballarat Foto?

Ballarat Foto is located in and around the City of Ballarat. Trains and buses run multiple times a day from both Melbourne and Geelong, with Ballarat station just a short walking distance to the main Festival Hub on Lydiard Street.

You can plan the most efficient journey to Ballarat Foto with the free journey planner app Arevo.

Can I park at Ballarat Foto?

There is street parking available around the Festival Hub in Ballarat, including accessible parking.

Free parking is also available at the RACV Goldfields Resort in Creswick, approximately 15 minutes from Ballarat. A bus then runs directly to Ballarat station.

The Resort also has secure bike parking and storage for those cycling in and out of the festival.

Is there food and drink at Ballarat Foto?

Ballarat Foto runs around multiple locations around the City of Ballarat, where you can enjoy local cuisine from a range of cafes, pubs, bars, restaurants and eateries.

We’ve picked a selection of our favourite eateries in the Goldfields here.

How long do I need at Ballarat Foto?

“With so much on offer, I would suggest going hard and doing a full day, or if you like to take things at a more leisurely pace, get a season pass to take in all of the exhibitions,” Nowak says.

She also recommends getting a “deeper understanding” of the exhibitions through events like artist talks and panel discussions.

For those talking advantage of the season pass, Nowak says it’s great to stay where the art is.

“RACV Goldfields Resort is a beautiful location, so it makes for a great backdrop for a weekend away of new ideas, art and food.”

To celebrate the biennale, RACV Goldfields is offering a special package during the festival. Guests can enjoy two nights of accommodation at RACV Goldfields, plus daily breakfast, entry tickets to the Ballarat International Foto Biennale, a tote pag, festival program and a two-course dinner for two people at RACV Goldfields' Three Founders restaurant.

Book by October 18 for stays between August 23 and October 19, 2025 - find out more.

Tips for seeing Ballarat International Foto Biennale

Nowak says having a look at the program before arriving is key to making the most of your Ballarat Foto experience. "Especially if you're making a weekend out of it, try and book early because certain events do book out in advance."

With the festival hub and many exhibitions within walking distance of Ballarat train station, she also recommends taking the train from Melbourne as an easy alternative to driving. 

"Check out the maps and go forth and explore - particularly the laneways, the outdoor program is always really interesting. Probably the biggest thing is to wear comfortable shoes!"

Cover image - Campbell Addy, The First Rainbow, 2023. Used with permission.