The Long View

Biennial Opening Events: October 1–3, 2026

  • Support 2022 09 10 CAC On the Line Soft Opening by Jacob Drabik DSC6220

    2022 FotoFocus Biennial: On the Line: Documents of Risk and Faith at the Contemporary Arts Center. Photo by Jacob Drabik

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    Guests viewing On the Line: Documents of Risk and Faith at the Contemporary Arts Center

  • 3_2022-10-01 AAC Street Party by Nicholas Namyar_IMG_8159

    Street Party for Ian Strange: Disturbed Home and Annex at Art Academy of Cincinnati

  • 4_2022-10-01 Daytime Symposium at MEMO by Jacob Drabik_DSC7142

    Mayor of Cincinnati, Aftab Pureval, proclaimed October the Month of Photography during the Biennial Symposium at Memorial Hall

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    Diana Solís, Shawn(ta) Smith-Cruz, Lola Flash, JEB (Joan E. Biren), and Ariel Goldberg discussing Images on which to build: 1970s-1990s during the symposium at Memorial Hall

  • 6_2022-10-08 CampSITE Talk by Jacob Drabik_DSC7899

    Audience member at CampSITE asking a question during the talk for Liz Roberts: Post Blonde

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    Guests admiring Liz Roberts: Post Blonde at CampSITE

  • 8_2022-10-08 Carnegie Talk by Jacob Drabik_DSC7695

    Visitors at the opening of These Things Are Connected at The Carnegie

    • An ambitious collaboration between FotoFocus and the region’s museums, galleries, universities, and alternative spaces, the Biennial is a month-long celebration of photography and lens-based art that unites artists, curators, and participants from around the world. This year’s Biennial showcases a wide range of original exhibitions and events centered around the theme, The Long View, which considers aspects of time and perspective in photography and film, and how these mediums shape our understanding of the world.

    The Biennial Opening Program (Wednesday, September 30–Saturday, October 3, 2026) constitutes the core of the Biennial, establishing the theme and dialogues that unite the broader programming. Featuring a symposium and keynote lecture, artist talks, curator tours, and receptions, the Opening Program inspires conversations about the world through photography and lens-based art. Biennial Events continue throughout the month of October. 

    While many venues are free and open to the public, the official Biennial Pass offers free access to Biennial Events throughout the month of October; an invitation to members-only events; and entry into the Opening Program. Free registration for the Pass begins in August.

    Press Release (PDF): FotoFocus Announces 2026 Biennial Theme

    Theme

    Each Biennial is structured around a unifying theme. The 2026 Biennial theme, The Long View, considers aspects of time and perspective in photography and film, and how these mediums shape our understanding of the world. “The long view” is a phrase used to invoke a broader perspective. It suggests both distance and duration, i.e., looking far into the distance and/or looking for a long period of time. As an attitude toward history, the long view suggests a wise and measured perspective, one that takes into consideration both the distant past while also considering the distant future. The long view also describes in literal terms two primary functions of photography: photographic lenses enable both long-distance vision and long-duration viewing.

    The Long View acknowledges the semiquincentennial of the United States, encouraging a posture of reflection in regards to the grand sweep of our country’s history, its past, present, and future. Photography can show us many moments from that history but it can also serve as a metaphor for how we understand our past and decide to shape it over time.

    #FotoFocus    #TheLongView    #FotoFocus2026