f2-Fotofestival - Festival

The f² Fotofestival for contemporary photography

The f² Fotofestival will take place in Dortmund from June 1st to 11th, 2023 for the fourth time. It stands for contemporary positions and trends in photography and shows selected engaging images from around the world. The festival is monothematic and offers with its numerous exhibitions different perspectives and critical insights on current topics and issues.

Works by renowned photographers and artists as well as by young talents are on display. Each festival edition also includes special participatory projects for photography-loving citizens and communities.

Dortmund and the Ruhr region - a strong location for photography

Supplemented by a varied supporting program (including lectures, workshops, guided tours), the festival offers a platform for new formats and talents and at the same time creates a connection between photographers, curators, media and audience. f² connects numerous institutions such as exhibition and culture houses, training centers, free artist initiatives and associations that enrich the program with their content.

First-class exhibitions of contemporary photography at different exhibition locations, some of which are not accessible in everyday life, and a communicative platform - these are attributes of a successful photo festival, which invites professionals to network and also captivates photo-affine visitors from the region - and beyond. Works by renowned photographers and artists as well as up-coming young artists are shown. Each festival edition also includes special participatory formats for photography-loving citizens and communities.

The aim is the long-term establishment of a regular festival for contemporary photography, which inspires people from the region for photography and connects partners in the Ruhr area with each other. The goal is the identification and enthusiasm of the local people for the f² Fotofestival. The organizer of the festival is Depot e. V. in cooperation with a variety of partners involved. The festival program is curated by established photo professionals.

The expertise of the curators and their selection of the main topic ensure that artistic bracket and the quality of content. There is no festival for contemporary photography in the Ruhr area. f² closes this gap and thus has a unique communication proposition in the region.

One topic, great diversity

Its social relevance is decisive for the overarching festival theme. Each festival edition has a new topic, which is the main focus of all exhibitions. A topic that shapes the current discourse in society, asks questions and gives new impulses and perspectives for thinking. The exhibitions in 2025 are entitled chaos.

Always up to date

For impressions of the festival events, current calls for entries and dates, follow the f² Fotofestival on Instagram.

Chaos

Following the topics of borders (2017), justice (2019), identity (2021) and globality (2023), the f² Fotofestival 2023 will focus on chaos.

Main theme f² Fotofestival 2025: CHAOS

For many, the feeling of loss of control and being overwhelmed is more prevalent than ever, whether it concerns the growing dangers from global political tensions, the climate crisis and its impacts, or mental health issues, especially among young people during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The more chaos is perceived in various areas of life or world events, the greater the need for structured living conditions. This tendency is evident both in the direct experience of chaotic states and in observing them.

Chaos is generally seen as an absence of order, an unpredictable force that brings confusion and even destruction, manifesting in various forms. Ultimately, chaos always presents a challenge, whether on an individual or global level. However, chaos is not only the lack of structure, but also the source of infinite possibilities and transformations.

Political unrest and social upheavals can break down existing structures and norms, yet they also provide opportunities for new social orders. Natural forces and environmental disasters destroy existing ecosystems, but they also create space for new life forms and developments. Emotional and individual crises are overwhelming and exhausting but simultaneously offer opportunities for personal growth.

In view of the multi-layered dynamics, however, a deeper question arises: What is chaos beyond the usual duality of destruction and renewal?

To explore these and other questions, photography as a creative medium and tool offers the opportunity to initiate a visual engagement of chaos by visualizing the multifaceted and contradictory aspects of chaotic states and opening new ways of interpretation.

How is chaos experienced and evaluated by different cultures and societies? What role does chaos play in creative and artistic practice? Where does chaos begin and where does it end?