The Fotofestival Mannheim/Heidelberg/Ludwigshafen is situated in three cities in Germany. It is a biennial dedicated to the question why the photographic image is so important in our society. The various exhibitions will show how the image orders and structures our view of the world. While pictures disseminated by mass media usually assume or reinforce these patterns, artistic photography in particular challenges the model that has been laid down by photographers in the areas of journalism and science as well as by amateur photographers.

This is not a biennale about or for documentary photography per se, but it is nonetheless interesting for those who are looking into the impact that images have on art and the beholder. The portfolio review sessions are open to upper-division students, art school graduates, artists, and photographers.

Director of institute: Esther Ruelfs
Contact person: Sabine von Wussow; Job title contact person: festival office / portfolio review