"What if?": PhEST returns to Monopoli to imagine possible futures

"What if?": PhEST returns to Monopoli (11th edition)

PhEST, the international festival of photography and visual art, returns to Monopoli (Puglia) for its eleventh edition under the theme What if?, inviting reflection on alternative scenarios and possible futures through diverse visual languages. The 2026 edition runs from 7 August to 1 November 2026, with opening days on 7, 8 and 9 August.

• Dates: 7 August – 1 November 2026
• Opening days: 7–9 August 2026
• Artistic and organizational team: Giovanni Troilo (artistic director), Cinzia Negherbon (organizational director); photographic curator Arianna Rinaldo and contemporary art curator Roberto Lacarbonara.
• Calls and activities: PhEST Pop-Up Open Call (29 April – 13 May 2026) with two categories (SERIES and SINGLES); free portfolio reviews during opening days; artist residencies in the region.
• Residency 2026: entrusted to artist Sara Angelucci, working on projects across Puglia.
• Promotion and partners: produced by the PhEST cultural association with support from Regione Puglia, PugliaPromozione, Puglia Culture and the Municipality of Monopoli; Main Partners include UniBa and the Port System Authority of the Southern Adriatic Sea. Partners also include LensCulture, PHmuseum and Fujifilm Italy.

PhEST consolidates its position as a platform for national and international artists with numerous exhibitions, special projects, guided visits and participatory initiatives aimed at engaging both audiences and the local community. For participation details and the full program, consult the festival's official channels.