The Rencontres d'Arles, formerly known as Rencontres internationales de la photographie d'Arles, is an annual summer photography festival. Collaborating with French and international museums and galleries, the festival involves artists, specialists from diverse fields, and international professionals in its programming. Over 50 exhibitions take place across Arles, transforming historic venues like old chapels and industrial buildings into unique settings for art displays that are typically inaccessible to visitors outside of this event. This approach highlights the festival's commitment to showcasing contemporary photography and fostering cultural exchange in a historically rich environment.
2024 Sections
The 2024 Rencontres d'Arles festival presents a diverse program structured around several thematic sections. These include "TREMORS AND TREMOIL," which delves into societal disruptions, and "SPIRITS (YŌKAI)," exploring Japanese folklore's mystical aspects. "TRACES" examines memory and history, while "IN PARALLEL" features concurrent solo exhibitions. "REREADINGS" offers reinterpretations of iconic works, and "EMERGENCES" showcases emerging artists. The festival also highlights publications in "ARLES BOOKS," fosters collaborations in "ASSOCIATED ARLES," and connects with other cultural events through "GRAND ARLES EXPRESS." Held in historic venues throughout Arles, this event celebrates contemporary photography and art, fostering dialogue and creativity among global audiences.
Venues of the Festival
The Rencontres d'Arles features specially curated exhibitions held in diverse historic venues, many in collaboration with French and international museums and institutions. These venues include ancient chapels, industrial buildings from the 19th century, and other unique spaces, each open to the public throughout the festival. Some locations, such as Abbaye de Montmajour and Chapelle Saint-Martin du Méjan, require navigating stairs or steep slopes for access. Other notable venues include Musée Réattu, located on upper floors accessible via stairs, and Palais de l'Archevêché, which offers access to its first floor. Each site provides a distinct backdrop for showcasing contemporary photography and artistic expression during this renowned event.
Tickets
For a day pass to the Rencontres d'Arles, you can purchase tickets online for €33 (reduced rate €28) or on-site for €35 (reduced rate €30). Admission is free for those under 18 years old. For access to all exhibitions, an online pass costs €40 (reduced rate €32), while on-site it is €42 (reduced rate €34).
History of The Rencontres d'Arles
In 1970, photographer Lucien Clergue, author Michel Tournier, and historian Jean-Maurice Rouquette collaborated to establish the Rencontres d'Arles, an esteemed international photography festival. This event distinguished itself by showcasing exclusively new and unpublished works, serving as a pivotal platform for emerging artists. Over the years, the Rencontres d'Arles has nurtured the careers of countless photographers, cementing its reputation as a catalyst for creativity and innovation in the realm of contemporary photography.
