Barnsley’s Inaugural Photography Festival: FOTO 2026

About

image: Installation view of Jerwood Photoworks Awards 5 exhibition, taken by Studio Deew

21 February 2026 to 31 March 2026

FOTO 2026 marks the launch of Barnsley’s first dedicated photography festival, presenting a dynamic programme of exhibitions and public engagement across the town. Spanning six weeks and multiple venues, the festival platforms more than 60 exhibitors through a series of pop-up exhibitions, celebrating contemporary photographic practice at both local and national levels.

With a strong emphasis on community and visual storytelling, FOTO 2026 offers a free and accessible programme designed to bring together audiences of all ages. Schools, families and photography enthusiasts are invited to explore, learn and participate in a season that places creativity at the heart of Barnsley.

Festival Partners and Key Collaborations

FOTO 2026 has been developed in close partnership with Barnsley Council, Barnsley Civic and Photoworks. These collaborations underpin a wide-reaching programme that connects artists, organisations and communities across the region.

Throughout the town and within Barnsley Markets, visitors can experience work by open call selected artists Lāsma Poiša and Paul Crawley. Both artists use photography to explore themes of home, heritage and social change, offering thoughtful perspectives on identity and place.

The festival also showcases work from emerging practitioners studying on the Photography degree at Leeds Arts University, highlighting new voices within contemporary photography.

Exhibitions at Barnsley Civic

Barnsley Civic serves as a central hub for FOTO 2026, presenting a diverse programme of exhibitions and participatory projects, including:

A group exhibition by the collective behind FOTO Festival
In Frame: Barnsley Young Photographers Award, celebrating the work of young image-makers
Proper Gander, a participatory photography project by Shy Burhan
Jerwood/Photoworks Award 5, a national touring exhibition featuring work by Sayuri Ischida and Roman Manfredi in the main gallery

This season positions Barnsley Civic as a focal point for photographic dialogue, learning and exchange.

Launch of FOTO Street Gallery

A key highlight of FOTO 2026 is the launch of FOTO Street Gallery, a newly reimagined outdoor exhibition space dedicated to lens-based artists. Opening to the public on 9 March 2026, this permanent space represents a collaboration between the Barnsley FOTO Collective and Barnsley Civic.

The inaugural installation will present work by shortlisted open call artists alongside images by Lāsma Poiša and Paul Crawley, extending the festival experience into the public realm.

Free Public Engagement Programme

The festival features a varied engagement programme designed to encourage participation and creativity across the community. All events are free to attend and include:

Barnsley Zine Fair on 28 February 2026
Artist-led photography workshops
Women in Photography panel discussion and social event
A pop-up Camera Obscura experience
Community Archive explorations

New activities take place each week, ensuring there are ongoing opportunities to engage with photography in accessible and meaningful ways.

Funding and Support

FOTO 2026 is made possible through public funding from Arts Council England, alongside financial support from Barnsley Council and Barnsley Civic. Additional support is provided through Photoworks’ Photo Champions Programme, with accessibility support from The Art House.

As Barnsley’s inaugural photography festival, FOTO 2026 establishes a new platform for contemporary photography in South Yorkshire, fostering creative exchange and strengthening community connections through visual culture.