The 11th Edition of Belfast Photo Festival explored the theme of ‘Biosphere’, transcending documentation and creativity. Our audiences experienced new imagery, commissions, and events that spark positive change in how we view and inhabit our shared Earth. Belfast Photo Festival and its partners aimed to foster creativity, build meaningful connections, and generate lasting public engagement to help protect the environment.

View Festival Evaluation.

EXHIBITIONS

EVENTS

SPECIAL ISSUE: PHOTOGRAPHY & FESTIVALS

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS BELFAST PHOTO FESTIVAL, PHOTORESEARCHER NO.43

This special issue of PhotoResearcher aims to inspire scholars, curators, and artists to reflect on photography festivals in an academic context and to investigate them as a phenomenon; a particular mode of presentation, circulation, and production of images.

BUY NOW

EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS

CITY HALL - LAWN

Centre for Living Things | 9 - 30 June

Diana Lelonek | All Day: Mon - Sun

Diana explores relationships between humans and other species. Her projects are critical responses to the processes of over-production, unlimited growth, and our approach to the environment.

DIVIS MOUNTAIN BARN

Hill Pictures | 5 - 30 June

Polly Garnett | All Day: Mon - Sun

‘Hill Pictures’ is an exploration of the Belfast Hills, its people, and an invitation to collaborate in visualising our natural heritage.

DONEGALL QUAY

The Ocean Within | 5 - 30 June

Yvette Monahan | All Day: Mon - Sun

‘The Ocean Within’ explores the hidden roles of fish as biological timekeepers and storytellers, embodying a collective memory of the water world.

BOTANIC GARDENS

Bog Story | 5 - 30 June

Chad Alexander | 7:30am - 8:30pm: Mon - Sun

An exploration into the cultural and environmental significance of bogs; the personal, economical and mythical relationships between people and the land.

BOTANIC GARDENS

The Children’s Melody | 5 - 30 June

Eli Durst | 7:30am - 8:30pm: Mon - Sun

Zhuxuanlu and American individualism reflect contrasting ideals of conformity and identity, yet both societies shape individuals through group dynamics. Eli Durst’s photography captures youth navigating this balance, revealing the tension between belonging and individuality in communal spaces.

BOTANIC GARDENS

Alternaria Alternata | 5 - 30 June

Anna Zagrodzka | 12 - 6pm: Mon - Sun

The project is a visual reference to how nature transforms the traces of history at former nazi extermination camps as the surrounding biosphere seeps into the buildings and objects, filling them with organic matter.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

ULSTER MUSEUM

Sat 7th June | 2:00 - 5:00pm

Belfast Photo Festival - Biosphere Launch

Join Belfast Photo Festival for an inspiring 90-minute event, as artists and partners celebrate Northern Ireland’s Natural Heritage through photography, poetry, performance, and engaging panel discussions.

QUEEN'S FILM THEATRE

Mon 23rd June | 6:20 - 9:00pm

Metamorfoza - Launch Event

Join us to celebrate the launch of ‘Metamorfoza: Polish Artists at Belfast Photo Festival’. Meet the four exhibiting Polish artists and enjoy a screening of ‘Sowing the Seeds of the Wild’ by Dyba and Adam Lach, followed by a Director’s Q&A and drinks reception.

ONLINE

Fri 27th & Sat 28th June | 10:00am - 5:00pm

Online Portfolio Reviews 2025

Belfast Photo Festival presents two days of online one-to-one Portfolio Reviews with Irish, British and International experts, providing photographers and artists with the opportunity to gain vital feedback on their work and network with industry experts.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW

Belfast Photo Festival is hosting two days of virtual, one on one portfolio reviews with 30 Irish, British and International photography experts. Friday 27th & Saturday 28th June 25.

SOLD OUT