From May 1–31, 2026, Toronto once again becomes a city-wide gallery as the CONTACT Photography Festival marks its landmark 30th edition. Spanning the entire month, the festival transforms museums, galleries, billboards and public spaces into platforms for contemporary lens-based art, inviting audiences to experience photography in bold and unexpected ways.

Founded in 1997, CONTACT has grown into one of the world’s leading photography festivals. Its 30th anniversary promises to reflect on three decades of visual storytelling while spotlighting new voices and pressing global conversations.

A City-Wide Celebration of Photography

Unlike traditional art events confined to a single venue, CONTACT unfolds across various Toronto locations. From major cultural institutions to independent galleries and outdoor installations, the festival encourages exploration across neighbourhoods. Visitors might encounter large-scale photographic works mounted on building façades, thought-provoking exhibitions in artist-run centres, or striking images integrated into urban streetscapes.

This city-wide approach makes photography accessible to all, whether you are a seasoned collector, an emerging artist or a curious passer-by.

Featured Exhibitions and Public Installations

Each year, CONTACT presents a curated Core Programme alongside an expansive Open Call Programme. The Core exhibitions typically feature internationally recognised artists whose work engages with contemporary themes such as identity, migration, climate and technology. Complementing these are dozens of independently organised exhibitions that highlight local and emerging talent.

The preliminary list of artists featured across the Core Program includes Ernesto Cabral de Luna, Delali Cofie, Marlene Creates, Larry Fink, Tim Georgeson, Hassan Hajjaj, April Hickox, Risa Horowitz, Spring Hurlbut, Alvin Luong, Arnaud Maggs, Thandiwe Muriu, Lu Pan, Celia Perrin Sidarous, Dawit L. Petros, Yann Pocreau, Jessica Slipp, Sheida Soleimani, Adam Swica, Ho Tam, Sin Wai Kin, Bo Wang, and Ian Wilms.

Public art installations remain a festival hallmark. Monumental photographs displayed outdoors invite spontaneous engagement, turning everyday commutes into moments of artistic discovery.

Conversations, Tours and Special Events

Beyond exhibitions, the festival hosts artist talks, panel discussions, guided tours and special events throughout May. These programmes provide deeper insight into artistic processes and the ideas shaping contemporary photography. For students and aspiring creatives, the educational components offer valuable opportunities to engage directly with artists, curators and industry professionals.

The 30th edition is expected to feature anniversary programming that reflects on CONTACT’s cultural impact in Toronto and beyond.

Planning Your Visit

With events running from May 1–31, 2026, visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and explore multiple venues over several days. Many exhibitions are free to attend, particularly those presented in public spaces, making the festival widely accessible.

Spring is an ideal time to experience Toronto, and CONTACT offers a compelling reason to explore the city’s vibrant arts scene. Whether you devote an afternoon to a single gallery or spend the month discovering exhibitions across neighbourhoods, the 2026 festival promises an inspiring celebration of photography’s power to document, challenge and connect.