Ballarat International Foto Biennale 2025

23 August - 19 october 2025

The Ballarat International Foto Biennale (Ballarat Foto.) is a world-class arts organisation delivering an internationally significant photographic arts festival, activating the city of Ballarat and enriching the cultural landscape of Victoria and Australia, every two years.

2025 is the 11th anniversary of the festival which was established in 2005. Since its inception, Ballarat Foto has seen audiences grow to over 250,000 and has contributed more than $28 million in direct economic impact.

Register your business for the Open Program by 19 February. The Ballarat Foto Open Program offers photographic artists the opportunity to display their work in various venues across Ballarat. It brings together local businesses and the arts community, transforming the city into a vibrant cultural hub during the Biennale. Exhibitions can be inside your business or displayed on an external wall. You provide the space and the Ballarat Foto team will introduce you to a photographic artist. 

Venue Registration Period: 28 January to 12 February 19 February 2025

Installation Period: 4 to 22 August 2025

Exhibition Duration: 23 August to 19 October 2025

De-installation Period: 20 to 31 October 2025

2023 Open Program venue, Renard. Photo by Quinn Fletcher

Festival Events at the BMI

Any BMI events associated with the Ballarat International Foto Biennale will be listed here as information becomes available.

Your ideas

Why not let us know what Festivals & Events you think the BMI should participate in.

Recent News

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

guides dressed in period costum

Australian Heritage Festival

Minerva's Secrets

25 April – 2 tours: 7.30pm & 9.30pm

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

Fundraising Dinner
17 May. 

  Performance – 18 May.

Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

16 to 25 May 

Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective

Wed 2-30 April, 5.30pm

Australian Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

18 April to 18 May

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

Fundraising Dinner
17 May. 

  Performance – 18 May.

Christmas Holiday Closures | Library

Monday 23 December – Sunday 5 January

Devonshire Tea & Fashion Parade

Bubbly on arrival & Featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop | $60

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2025 Calendar

Featuring the BMI Image Collection | Now $20

Tax Deductible 

Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.

We need
your help.

2024 End of Financial Year Appeal 

Or alternatively go to our Donations web page.

Our Challenge

Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges. 

We thank you for your support.

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing