Diving into the Intersection of Photography and Activism at CONTACT Photography Festival
Dedicated to showcasing and exploring the power of photography and lens-based media, the CONTACT Photography Festival brings the city of Toronto to life every May with a myriad of art initiatives. As the festival gears up for its 29th edition in May 2025, three standout projects are set to shine a spotlight on the crucial role of photography in activism.
One of the highlights of this year’s festival is the touring exhibition Flashpoint! Protest Photography in Print, 1950–Present. This dynamic showcase, based on the 2024 anthology by 10×10 Photobooks, features a curated selection of over 90 photobooks, zines, posters, and independent journals that capture the essence of protest and resistance. By offering a diverse range of perspectives and narratives, Flashpoint! invites visitors to delve into the complexities of societal issues, sparking conversations that challenge conventions and ignite change.
Renowned Filipina artist Kiri Dalena’s ongoing series Erased Slogans and Birds of Prey is another must-see at the festival. Through reworking archival images from different eras in the Philippines, Dalena sheds light on civil resistance and challenges the colonial gaze. Curated by Su-Ying Lee and showcased on billboards across Toronto, these projects, which began in 2016 and 2024 respectively, continue to resonate globally today.
Exploring the theme of sustainability in photography publishing, the exhibition What Makes a Photobook Sustainable? offers a platform for dialogue on ethical practices and decolonial initiatives within the industry. Organized by the Sustainable Photobook Publishing (SPP) network based in London, this display features over 20 works that highlight the ways photographers and publishers are navigating environmental challenges and promoting social responsibility.
With over 100 exhibitions, public art installations, workshops, and events lined up for the 29th edition, the CONTACT Photography Festival promises to be a celebration of creativity, activism, and dialogue. To learn more about the festival and its lineup, visit contactphoto.com.
